Tag Archives: Death's Excellent Vacation

Meanwhile, Far Across the Caspian Sea… by Daniel Stashower

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: Meanwhile, Far Across the Caspian Sea…
Author: Daniel Stashower
In: Death’s Excellent Vacation (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Time travel
Dates read: 31st October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘I want to – ‘

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Synopsis

Jeff Clarke has a new job as a researcher at LifeSpan. But when he catches the attention of the office recluse, he finds himself in a whole heap of trouble.

Thoughts

This was an intriguing and unexpected short story. At first I was a bit “eh” about it. It was fun and interesting, but I wasn’t completely drawn in. And I was most certainly wondering what this had to do with vacations. But then, at the very end, everything began to make sense. Which made everything all that much better in hindsight.

This was just fun, entertaining and a lot, lot of fun. I liked Jeff’s work ethic and I thought that his drive to discover the truth was kind of awesome. Plus, there was that whole idea that a whole new reality was opened up to him just because he had an awesome work ethic.

A fun, enjoyable and nice way to spend a spot of afternoon time. This was most definitely a short story that I will be reading again.

<- One for the MoneyThe Innsmouth Nook ->

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One for the Money by Jeaniene Frost

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
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Title: One for the Money
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Huntress #4.5, Night Huntress Universe #4.5
In: Death’s Excellent Vacation (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 29th September 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: At least Tammy wouldn’t remember any of this.

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Synopsis

Cat and Bones’s romantic vacation is interrupted when they’re enlisted to guard a spoiled heiress with both human and undead hitmen on her tail. Things quickly go from bad to worse when details of their assignment make their way through the supernatural grapevine, and what started as a simple bodyguard job ends up being a fight for survival that neither Cat nor Bones saw coming. This story takes place after the events of Destined For An Early Grave and before the events of This Side Of The Grave.

Thoughts

I loved this short story. Didn’t exactly love that it takes place after the next novel I want to read in this series… it kind of gave a few big spoilers as to what happens. But, as always, hopefully by the time I actually get to reading that novel I won’t remember all of the minutiae and can still be surprised. Although, let’s admit it – I’ll be surprised regardless because Frost always manages to pack a lot of storyline and information into one story. Which, I, of course, love.

I absolutely adore Bones and Cat as a couple. They are sexual, intense and more than a little violent. All things that I apparently love in my fictional couples. We won’t delve too much into my brain to discover why I love the fact that Cat cuts ghouls heads off and blows up cars and such… it’s quite cute that this is their vacation and there is untold drama occurring.

One of the parts of this story that was a bit of a give-away, but still enjoyable was the way in which Bones taught Justina to defend herself. It was cute, a little awkward and involved lots of stabbing. It definitely hinted at this great idea that there was going to be some healing of old wounds and fractures in Cat’s relationship with her mother throughout the series… YAY!

<- The Boys Go FishingMeanwhile, Far Across the Caspian Sea… ->

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The Boys Go Fishing by Sarah Smith

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: The Boys Go Fishing
Author: Sarah Smith
In: Death’s Excellent Vacation (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Superheroes
Dates read: 17th August 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: His girl, his only girl.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

He’s an immortal and a retired superhero. One who just wants to be left alone. And then an organised Talent comes and ruins his plans…

Thoughts

I truly think that being immortal would be one of the loneliest things ever. And this story kind of reinforces that belief. The lead character is completely alone, lonely and looking for a reason, any reason to live. It made this a bit of a sad story. But also one that ultimately had a bit of a hopeful spin to it… being immortal would suck. Until you could find others to have it suck with.

This short story starts as a fishing trip and a nice little tour. And then it quickly gets convoluted. Between reminiscing about the past and finding out just what the powers of the clients are… it’s an interesting little story. Add to that that there is a greater reason for their powers and difference… I found it quite difficult to put this down and a little sad when the story was all over.

Although I was kind of sad that this story ended, I did love the way in which it ended. Particularly when it kind of asked the question, what is the difference between man and monster? It’s something that I’m constantly wondering myself to be honest…

<- Two BlondesOne for the Money ->

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