Tag Archives: Kelley Armstrong

Zen and the Art of Vampirism by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
otherworld-secrets

Title: Zen and the Art of Vampirism
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #9.2
In: Otherworld Secrets (Kelley Armstrong) & Vampires: The Recent Undead (Paula Guran)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: I just thought –

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Synopsis

Zoe is forced to protect her turf in Toronto, and in doing so, some of her past comes to light.

Thoughts

I really liked meeting Zoe Tanako in Broken – she is the exact opposite to every other vampire that I have met, not only in this series, but also throughout the many other paranormal fantasy books that I’ve read. Zen and the Art of Vampirism gives a better insight into not only her character, but also her past. It also explained one of the two ways of being turned into a vampire better – the non-genetic way. Although it took a little while to understand why this short story was named thus, it did make a lot more sense in the light of her complex and incredibly surprising past.

Tee’s reappearance, and Zoe’s ability to manipulate her surrounds to suit her were thoroughly enjoyable in this story. As was the true reason behind just why she refuses to become violent with the encroachers on her territory. It is a great reminder that just because someone isn’t willing to fight, that doesn’t mean that they are unable to.

<- KitsunegariAngelic ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Ungrateful Dead by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
otherworld-secrets

Title: The Ungrateful Dead
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #8.2
In: Otherworld Secrets (Kelley Armstrong) & Blood Lite (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: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: But I have been trying to listen more often, help with little things like passing on messages.

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Synopsis

Jaimie is faced with two ghosts who can’t quite get the hint and stop being insufferable. But, she finds a way to deal with these ungrateful dead.

Thoughts

Jaimie was a bit of a confusing character when you first met her in Industrial Magic, but throughout the series, I have very quickly fallen in love with her. And, honestly, this short story just made me feel even more connected to the character. And, had me laughing and giggling at her sass and gumption.

There is something to be said about taking revenge on those who have been rude, irritating and are not able to take no for an answer. Luckily, in the real world, it is often possible to just walk away from them, and stop answering their phone calls. But, when you’re a necromancer, and the annoying know-it-all is a ghost that you can’t get rid of…? Well, needless to say, I loved Jaimie’s solution to the ungrateful dead in this short story!

<- ChivalrousLiving with the Dead ->

Image source: Goodreads

Chivalrous by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
otherworld-nights

Title: Chivalrous
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #8.1
In: Otherworld Nights (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: I hoped I could string my father along until I got a degree.

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Synopsis

Reese and his family are on the run from the Australian werewolf pack. Everything is going well until he falls in love with Daniella.

Thoughts

The Women of the Otherworld series has introduced me again and again to the werewolves of the North American Pack and those who roam free across the country. And as much as I thoroughly enjoy this world, and these characters, it was especially enjoyable to meet a werewolf in Australia. Placing the story within a world that I am way more familiar with, and having a character who loves him family deeply just made me love this novella even more.

Chivalrous takes the best of a child’s upbringing, and his chivalrous nature and turns it on its head. Reese’s willingness to protect and care for Daniella in spite of the danger it places upon his own family and self are outdone only by his readiness to drop everything and begin a new life. It is kind of naïve, especially once the end of this story is considered, but it is also incredibly sweet. I can’t wait to read more about Reese in the next Women of the Otherworld books!

<- Personal DemonThe Ungrateful Dead ->

Image source: Goodreads

Stalked by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
otherworld-nights

Title: Stalked
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #7.3
In: Otherworld Nights (Kelley Armstrong) & My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: I scanned the road, sampling the air.

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Synopsis

It’s not a good sign when Elena Michaels and Clayton Danvers resort to everyday activities on their long-awaited honeymoon in St. Louis. But their encroaching boredom is about to take a backseat to an unexpected threat that catches Clay’s attention. A non-pack werewolf is clearly stalking them—out to claim Elena for himself—and Clay has no intention of letting the upstart mutt spoil their romantic getaway, even if that means deceiving Elena as he pursues the rival werewolf on his own.

Thoughts

Nothing is simple with Clay and Elena – something that I’ve enjoyed about their relationship, and, luckily, their honeymoon is no different. Although this story takes place at a point in the series when they have had children, forgiven the past and finally decided to happily spend the rest of their lives together, there is still many moments of contention throughout the short story. Not just Clay and Elena’s natural tendency to be difficult and argumentative, but also through the presence of mutts.

Although both Clay and Elena tend to argue consistently throughout the Women of the Otherworld series, they will also do anything to protect one another. For Clay, the physical aspects of this are easy, but it is the way in which he fights to not kill the mutt in order to save their honeymoon that I find the sweetest. Funnily enough, Elena too tries to discourage the mutt without telling her husband, in an attempt to salvage what is becoming quite boring for both characters. Their lack of communication, and the way that, when they are on the same page they can work together impeccably is one of my favourite things about these characters. They are so dysfunctional that they actually work quite brilliantly.

<- TwilightPersonal Demon ->

Image source: Goodreads

Twilight by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
otherworld-nights

Title: Twilight
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #7.2
In: Otherworld Nights (Kelley Armstrong) & By Blood We Live (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: When an exit door wung open, I darted into another doorway to avoid detection and spotted my victim.

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Synopsis

A visit to Cassandra Du Charme as she faces her mortality.

Thoughts

Cassandra is an incredibly odd character in the Women of the Otherworld series – she isn’t really likeable, but she also isn’t horrible enough to truly dislike. It is her apathy and lack of regard for others that just seems so at odds with the rest of the characters, and makes her seem cold and withdrawn from the rest of the world. Which, in all honesty, she is. However, some of her gumption and reasoning behind this apathy for the rest of the world is explained in Twilight.

I really liked that in the introduction to Otherworld Nights, even Kelley Armstrong dislikes the titling of this short story. After all, it just has too many negative connotations with another well-known (and in my case, strongly disliked) series. Having said that, if it wasn’t for the fact that the title reflects the Stephanie Meyers series, it is actually quite suitably named. Not only is Cassandra spending her time hunting in the twilight hours, but it is completely obvious from her actions and the storyline that she is in the twilight of her life.

Again, Armstrong takes a different spin on the presence, and existence of vampires. Especially the ending of their lives, and the way that even these incredibly long-lived creatures eventually meet their end. Cassandra’s unwillingness to accept her demise, unless it is on her own terms makes this hard-to-like character actually quite likeable. As does the explanation of her relationship with Aaron. It is obvious that they have a past in the other Women of the Otherworld books, but finally, Cassandra’s side of the tale is revealed. As is his concern and care for this difficult woman.

<- FramedStalked ->

Image source: Goodreads

Framed by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Framed

Title: Framed
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #7.1
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: Free online short story
Publisher: Kelley Armstrong website
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: He just wasn’t.

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Synopsis

About Nick Sorrentino who is framed and then blackmailed.

Thoughts

I am automatically programmed to dislike trust-fund, playboy types. Even in many of the romances that some people find appealing, with their billionaire, hunky male leads, I find these characters cliché and detestable. Nick tends to fit this persona, yet, there was always something that didn’t make me truly hate him. Mostly due to his relationship to Elena, but it wasn’t until this short story that I began to actually like the happy-go-lucky playboy.

Nick’s admittance that he has been effectively useless throughout his forty years, and attempt to try to rectify this was the first way in which I finally felt endeared to this character. When he gets blackmailed, and finds himself the centre of an incredibly awkward frame up job, this attempt at truly making something of himself comes to full fruition. It is the constant self-deprecating attitude and the way he is always reminding himself of the love and actions of his pack that finally drive him to find a truly unique solution to an age old problem.

Framed is also a great way to show that even playboy Nick has standards. There is a number of moral and social lines which he won’t cross, even to save his own hide. This line is quickly and succinctly drawn, and it is Nick’s own brand of thinking and acting that ultimately saves the day. In a refreshingly blood-free manner.

<- No Humans InvolvedTwilight ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Case of El Chupacabra by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
tales-of-the-otherworld

Title: The Case of El Chupacabra
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #6.5
In: Tales of the Otherworld (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: If he’s responsible for this death, then it’s a matter for the council.

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Synopsis

Paige and Lucas pursue a murderer who may be a vampire.

Thoughts

There were many, many parts of this story that I loved. There was truly getting to know Kristoff’s eldest, and Savannah’s brother, Sean; discovering how Paige and Lucas obtain their own headquarters; and the discovery of a prejudice so deep and wrong (though aren’t they all) that it is almost impossible to stomach. But, mostly I just loved getting to know the character of Sean better. He is idealistic like Lucas, yet he continues to attempt to work within the system to promote a better morality within his own family.

There aren’t many LGBTQ characters in many of the books that I read. I think it’s mostly because there aren’t that many LGBTQ characters in comparison to strong male (and female leads). So, even though Sean isn’t a centre piece of the Women of the Otherworld stories, it was really nice to meet a character that faces the issues of coming out and being accepted every day of his life. I loved that Sean’s insecurities and inability to be accepted by the man who has been like a father figure, let alone the rest of his family are a great reminder as to the difficulties that many of the LGBTQ people face on a daily basis.

The prejudice that vampires face from sorcerers is exactly what all prejudices are to me. A mix of fear and misunderstandings. Fear of another’s power and the other. Luckily, the way in which this was combatted was the politic, responsible and grown response that you would expect – removing stigma, calmly explaining away misconceptions, and facing such blatant bigotry face-on.

<- BrokenNo Humans Involved ->

Image source: Goodreads

Bargain by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Bargain

Title: Bargain
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #5.3
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: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: It had started a few months ago, when he’d run into trouble with a Cabal.

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Synopsis

Xavier gets the “From Hell” letter theft job.

Thoughts

One thing that never made sense throughout Broken was why Xavier wanted Jack the Ripper’s Letter from Hell. He never got the object in the end, and he wasn’t in the least bit bothered by this. Yes, it was to be obtained for a third party, but still, for a half-demon character such as him, I honestly expected more of a response. Bargain helps to explain this discrepancy. And just how the entire job (and resulting tale) came about.

The bargain which Xavier attempts to make with Elena leads to calamity after calamity, but his initial need to contact her seems incredibly awkward and weirdly timed. Yet, his need to expand his contacts (and the creepily sexual way in which he views the female werewolf) make this action all the more plausible. His drive becomes more visceral, and it is easier to find the motives of such a slippery and convoluted character. One which is incredibly selfish and self-important.

<- ChaoticBroken ->

Image source: Goodreads

Chaotic by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Chaotic

Title: Chaotic
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #5.2
In: Otherworld Chills (Kelley Armstrong) & Dates from Hell (Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong & Lori Handeland)
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: Novella
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: The fire.

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Synopsis

Kelley Armstrong returns to the Otherworld with “Chaotic,” where a half-demon tabloid journalist’s boring date is saved…by a supernatural explosion? She’s off to save the day—if only her less-than-stellar date wouldn’t tag along! Luckily, the intriguing, infuriating, and just plain sexy werewolf/jewel thief Karl Marsten also appears.

Thoughts

I always wondered how Hope and Karl met each other – and, more importantly, why their relationship continued after their abnormal first meeting. Chaotic not only answered this question, but it also showed how Hope’s first forays into the supernatural world went. The intricate relationships between the characters of the Women of the Otherworld series is shown in Hope’s embroilment with the Cabals, the supernatural council, and ultimately, with the jewellery-thief werewolf.

Ultimately, we all want to find a place in the world that accepts us and a family of our own making. Basically, we just want somewhere where we belong. Hope’s desperation for this is compounded by her special skills, and it is this that makes her so easy to prey upon. Although in the beginning she is incredibly naïve and gullible, she is able to rectify her mistakes and admit where she was wrong. A trait that many people are lacking in.

As we grow up, we are constantly forced to reinvent ourselves, and Hope’s willingness to do so twice within this novella is a reminder of this. Since I’m going through a similar moment in my life, it was nice to see that a character with far heavier burdens than mine is able to roll with the punches and come out stronger than ever. Knowing that she really finds her pace (and happiness) in Personal Demon and again in Living with the Dead gives me hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

<- AdventurerBargain ->

Image source: HarperCollins

Adventurer by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Adventurer

Title: Adventurer
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #5.1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Slow
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Kelley Armstrong online
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: A spark of fury, like a tiny firecracker exploding, and she fell silent.

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Synopsis

Adventurer is a short story about “Silent Kenneth”, the shaman of the interracial councel.

Thoughts

Kenneth is such a peripheral character within the Women of the Otherworld series that it took me half of this short story to actually place him in the greater reality of this series. But, once I did, and, even beforehand, this short story was very enjoyable and a great insight into how the supernatural council works through daily issues. Kenneth’s place within this and how his powers as a shaman are able to assist help to provide a further look into the daily lives of these people who have something extra.

Kenneth’s spirit guide, or personal tinkerbell as he often thinks of her, is the complete opposite of the slow, easy going man who is telling the story. And his frustration at being saddled with such a spiritual partner is tangible from the very first word. Yet, the underhanded way in which he pursues his own adventure shows that he isn’t necessarily as different to his guide as he seems to believe. After all, he likes adventure too, he just doesn’t need her hovering over his astral shoulder to go on one.

<- HauntedChaotic ->

Image source: Goodreads