Tag Archives: Dark Fantasy

Dark Sins by Jenna Maclaine

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

strange-brewTitle: Dark Sins
Author: Jenna Maclaine
Series: Cin Craven #1.5
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Whatever the wizard had dosed him with had put him so far under that there was no consciousness left.

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Synopsis

Venice 1881, Cin Craven’s journey starts and she is forced to battle some fairly sinister forces.

Thoughts

The employment of the Morrigan in a story about vampires was not something that I expected. Neither was the merging of a vampire and a witch into one incredibly powerful being. However, it worked brilliantly! Cin Craven is everything that I love in a heroine – and the fact that she is a vampire was a different twist. Unlike a lot of vampire stories that have become popular in our modern culture, her condition as this type of paranormal creature is not fully romanticised, nor is it portrayed as something that all simpering teens desire. It was a lot darker and, due to this, felt a lot truer.

The placement of the story in 1881 Venice had so many romantic connotations – ones that were maybe not fully realised, but the use of this backdrop left a lingering feeling of love and sophistication to the carnage into which Cin steps. This juxtaposition between the two conditions and Cin’s team and those of their enemies worked beautifully to create a reality in which the storyline flourished.

 <- Ginger Review Strange Brew Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Devil’s Left Boot by Faith Hunter

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Blood in Her VeinsTitle: The Devil’s Left Boot
Author: Faith Hunter
Series: Jane Yellowrock #6.1
In: Blood in Her Veins (Faith Hunter) & Kicking It (Faith Hunter & Kalayna Price)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Animagus, Dark fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Roc
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Everything fell into place with a little thump in Liz’s mind.

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Synopsis

Set in the world of Jane Yellowrock. Jane makes a brief appearance.

Twin witches Liz and Cia Everhart agree to search for a missing woman and are drawn into long-hidden secrets of vampires and blood magic.

Thoughts

I enjoy anything set in the Jane Yellowrock world – it is always sassy, strong and constantly reminds you that no matter how odd you may be, there is somewhere in the world that you can fit in. If anything, I found this short story easier to relate to than the others so far – the twin Everhart witches are not only trying to cope with their sad past, but they are forced to confront a school bully. For those of us who have been bullied, we all imagine that day that we are reunited and can show that person how wonderful we are now that we’re not in school. When you’ve found a place in society that you can actually fit into, you want to show others that all of the hurt in the past doesn’t matter anymore (even when it does). The Devil’s Left Boot allows the twin witches to do this. And it works brilliantly.

The idea of twins is a fascinating one, there are a lot of mythical and social beliefs surrounding twins, especially identical ones. Hunter uses this brilliantly in the description of their spells and rituals throughout this story. Yet, they are still starkly contrasted against one another – they have different sources of power, different desires and different obsessions. The play between the two girls, their similarities and differences built them up beautifully in my mind and there they continue to stay, fascinating me and drawing me further into the world of Jane Yellowrock and the Everharts.

<- The Girl With No Name High Stakes ->

Image source: Goodreads

Cherry Kisses by Erica Hayes

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Cherry KissesTitle: Cherry Kisses
Author: Erica Hayes
Series: The Shadowfae Chronicles #4.5
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Dark fantasy, Demons
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: And opened the door.

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Synopsis

Sexy con-artist Lena Falco isn’t a witch, not technically. She uses her cache of stolen magic tricks to seduce and bedazzle her marks. When she’s hired by a demon to steal a cursed magical amulet from a monstrous tower in Hell, it must be her lucky day.

The prize? A single wish—whatever she wants.

The catch? There’s competition: Ethan Benford, swordsman and enchanter, arrogant, maddeningly sexy and the only incorruptible man in town.

Lena’s been burnt before by Ethan’s easy charm, and she vows he’ll meet his match this time. But is ultimate power worth betraying the only man who truly believes in her?

Thoughts

There is something so tantalising about a main character that is so obviously not good. Whether it’s someone like Cherry Kisses’ Lena Falco, or a morally ambiguous hero like Batman, the blurred line in morality makes these characters both more relatable and scandalous. Especially when the tale ends in a truly moral dilemma and the choice made really isn’t what the truly good heroes would make.

I have a tendency to very quickly fall for any tale that mentions an Australian city, or is written by an Australian author. Since it’s where I’m from, it makes it that much easier to relate to the characters and settings of the tale. Lena’s recognition that she is nothing special within such a familiar setting helped to further endear a potentially unlikable character to me.

<- There Will Be Demons Review The Arcane Art of Misdirection Review ->
Image source: Amazon

How Do You Feel? by Simon R. Green

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

hex-appealTitle: How Do You Feel?
Author: Simon R. Green
Series: Nightside Companion
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Won’t that be nice?

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Synopsis

An interesting short story about Green’s Dead Boy and how he lives his life.

Thoughts

How Do You Feel? was a completely unexpected short story – it was quite dark, with a twisted and unexpected strain of humour throughout it. The completely unforeseeable love story that rounded it out just polished it off to make me want to read the rest of the Nightside series. The use of a main character whose name is Dead Boy should have given me a hint to what kind of story I was in for though.

There is always a question about what happens after death, after all, most people don’t want to believe that this life is all that there is. And the idea of what happens when a life is cut too short with little or no mercy is a far more tantalising theoretical question. In creating a character that exists almost solely for revenge, Green approaches this question from a unique angle. Not only in addressing what happens after death and the lingering of souls, but how a thirst for revenge and an unyielding anger can destroy a life (and afterlife).

<- Outside the Box Review There Will be Demons Review ->
Image source: Succubus

Buying Trouble by Karen Chance

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Buying Trouble

Title: Buying Trouble
Author: Karen Chance
Series: Dorina Basarab #1.1, Cassandra Palmer World #9
In: On the Prowl (Patricia Briggs)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Fae, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: The dragon was Tanet, my newly discovered brother.

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Synopsis

Claire just wants to keep out of trouble. But that isn’t always easy when you’re a mage with the extremely unusual ability to block all magic around you. And when Claire’s sleazy boss decides Claire herself is the most valuable rarity to sell at a magical auction, trouble finds her. Now, her only hope for survival is to trust a mysterious and handsome stranger, a Fey Lord named Heidar. As their pursuers close in, there’s one thing for sure, savior or threat, Heidar can show Claire things she never imagined in this world, and in herself. . .

Thoughts

This story took a lot of unexpected turns – first, the journey started at an auction house, then Clare finds out that she’s actually up for auction, and then she finds out more about her true heritage. All in all, the combination of these facts created a tumulus ride which spanned a number of beautifully constructed settings. The fact that the alliances and loyalties of the obvious love interest within the story were vague and difficult to pin down helped to add to the unpredictable, fast-paced track of this novella.

The use of first-person in telling this tale helped to place me in the slightly uncomfortable shoes of Claire. Mostly due to her status in the magical world and the constant danger which her powers place her in. However, the irresistible pull she feels towards her male counterpart and her fear and frustration at being forced to flee are incredibly potent emotions that are stunningly displayed through her own words. Her description of her emotions, confusion and thoughts made me feel incredibly connected to this slightly unorthodox lead, something which I love when reading any story.

Although slavery isn’t supposed to occur anymore, the use of Claire as a pawn in overall political games and the willingness of others to sell her reek of a lack of women’s rights in this world – even when slavery is supposed to be abolished. Even her newly discovered family appear to be politically inclined, although at least they are grateful for her presence. It is a reminder that although overt ownership of women isn’t present in today’s society, there is still a sense of ownership and usage over women who can prove to be useful.

The thing that I loved most about this novella was the conclusion of this tale. It leaves the story open for more journeying into the world of Claire and the Dorina Basarab series, but also hints at a ‘happily ever after’ for Claire.

<- InhumanMona Lisa Betwining ->

Image source: Goodreads

Vegas Odds by Karen Chance

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
strange-brew

Title: Vegas Odds
Author: Karen Chance
Series: Cassandra Palmer #4.4, Cassandra Palmer World #14
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: They hit the floot to avoid the bullets Cyrus was letting fly, making them perfect targets for a second potion – one designed to induce unconsciousness.

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Synopsis

Lia manages to beat the vegas odds in this amazingly fun and active short story.

Thoughts

From the very first sentence of this short story, you are thrown into the middle of the conflict. Lia’s self-berating and gradual realisation of the culprits in her attack help to add to this immediate sense of drama and action. The twists and turns of the plot are impossible to predict as her inner strength and moxie are revealed. To me, this is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the story – once the cause of one point of conflict is revealed, a number of other problems quickly arise.

The idea of Lia as a half-breed and the subsequent stigma and segregation which she experiences is a great reminder of that which anyone who is different tends to experience. In some cases, people who come from two starkly different cultural and racial backgrounds aren’t fully accepted by either group of people. The pain and discomfort that Lia feels in her lack of acceptance, and even her inability to fully trust her boyfriend (who obviously loves her) to accept her speaks to the pain which such a discrimination can cause a person.

The showiness of this story beautifully matches what I picture of Vegas, at least as much as I can on the other side of the world. Even the Trials by which the war mages must take their new place in society is a showy affair with lots of drama and flash to make a simple point and test. The subterfuge throughout the story helps to match this, and even Lia’s own personality seems to fit into the idea of show and flash throughout the tale.

<- Death Warmed OverHecate’s Golden Eye ->

Image source: Goodreads

Recruit by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Recruit

Title: Recruit
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #9.7
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Kelley Armstrong website
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: When it comes to man-eaters, Pack Law is clear.

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Synopsis

This was a very short story written as an extra for Frostbitten.
It takes place before the book begins, and launched the investigation that eventually led Elena and Clay to Alaska.

Thoughts

Recruit touches on a couple of issues for the werewolf pack. Firstly, they need to find new recruits without telegraphing their vulnerability to those who wish them ill. Secondly, when they do find someone who wishes to join them, the need to assess their suitability becomes increasingly difficult. Roy’s attempted blackmail and slightly skewed way in which he attempts to ingratiate himself with the pack is a great way to remind us of this.

Clay and Elena’s ability to roust and take control of the situation in which they find themselves is a great reminder of the fact that these two are some of the toughest (and scariest) supernaturals in the entire Women of the Otherworld series. Their protectiveness and willingness to fight for what is theirs stops them from crossing the line between crazy thugs to protective good guys.

<- CheckmateFrostbitten ->

Image source: Ofearna

Checkmate by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Checkmate

Title: Checkmate
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #9.6
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Kelley Armstrong website
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Clay fell in behind, letting my better nose take the lead.

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Synopsis

In Frostbitten, Elena mentions tracking a killer in Winnipeg. This is that story.

Thoughts

Elena and Clay are the dream team of hunting and justice. Clay is ruthless and protective in a way that excludes all other emotions. Elena on the other hand can be a little too protective of her family, yet is quick to ask for evidence before execution. Combined, they make a great team, and this short story was a way in which to show this without the influence of the rest of the pack.

The synchronicity with which Elena and Clay are able to finally act (after many, many fights and years of rebellion) can truly be felt in Checkmate. The ways in which the two are able to complement each other is like a chess game, they constantly play games with their prey and one another. I love this final feeling of peace between the two – they have finally found their speed, and are able to function as a truly terrifying team.

<- Lucifer’s DaughterRecruit ->

Image source: Ofearna

Lucifer’s Daughter by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
otherworld-nights

Title: Lucifer’s Daughter
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #9.5
In: Otherworld Nights (Kelley Armstrong) & Blood Lite II: Overbite (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Hot droplets spattered my face.

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Synopsis

Revisit Hope and Karl as Hope is forced to deal with her father’s minions in her positions as Lucifer’s Daughter.

Thoughts

Hope and Karl are such a unique couple (although the thing that I love about the Women of the Otherworld series is that all of the couples are incredibly unique). At the conclusion of Living with the Dead, Karl chooses to leave Hope to her own devices. To allow her to learn the control she needs over her own powers, and abilities. So, revisiting them after they have been united was a really enjoyable way to spend some time.

Hope’s existence as Lucifer’s daughter is also further investigated throughout this short story. The prestige of this position, and the impact it can have on other demons is such an interesting contrast to the ritzy, glamorous world into which Hope was born. I love the contrast between her two worlds and the way that she is able to (almost) effortlessly glide between. And the completely smooth way in which Karl is able to join her in both realities shows what a great match they are. And that for everyone, there are multiple facets of their personality that can be hidden under layer upon layer of personnas.

<- Learning CurveCheckmate ->

Image source: Goodreads

Learning Curve by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Evolve

Title: Learning Curve
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #9.4
In: Evolve (Nancy Kilpatrick)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: I waited.

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Synopsis

Zoe teaches a professor not to play with the occult unless he is prepared to deal with the consequences.

Thoughts

Every time I read a short story featuring Zoe Tanaka, I fall a little more in love with her. Her unique outlook and career as a vampire was certainly fascinating in Broken, but it isn’t until you get the privilege of knowing her more that the enigma that is Zoe is truly revealed. Unlike initial impressions (mostly by Elena), Zoe isn’t a weak, scared pushover, she is exactly the opposite. And her ability to manipulate a situation to suit herself, without resorting to violence is a great draw in for her character and the storyline.

I love the idea that, although Zoe is escaping a stalker, the entire story is about teaching the next generation of supernaturals. Her sass and humour at such a task is irreplaceable. But, it is ultimately her willingness to teach others, instead of taking revenge or feeling bitter at her situation that makes me love her even more.

<- AngelicLucifer’s Daughter ->

Image source: Goodreads