Tag Archives: Kisses and Curses

Krisis by Lindsay Smith

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Kisses and CursesTitle: Krisis
Author: Lindsay Smith
Series: Sekret #0.6
In: Kisses & Curses (Lauren Burniac)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, History, Psychics
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: “Comrade, that is not a feasible option-”

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Synopsis

A seer who can see into the future is placed in the midst of the Cuban Missile Crisis and maybe only she can stop the world from ending.

Thoughts

I really enjoy stories that are based around actual moments in history. However, I’m not one who tends to read up much on history – probably because in high school we did a lot of American history and ANZAC history, but nothing about our Indigenous Australians, and many, many things that they basically try to pretend didn’t happen. But I digress… this short story (and apparently greater series) is set in Communist Russia. A period of history that I know next to nothing about. And now want to know even more of.

Stories about people with extra abilities, like telekinesis, telepathy, future telling… they are stories that I tend to be drawn to. The fact that this partners an aspect of history that I know little of just makes it all the more appealing. I also loved reading the author’s introduction to this story – the idea for the series came from a fascination with this period of history, and what would happen if even the privacy of your own mind was taken away. Even though this short story isn’t quite about that, it is a great introduction to the world and the idea overall.

Nuclear warfare scares me. If someone presses that button, the world will effectively end. Regardless of the way in which it happens. Revisiting a period in history where this very nearly happened and giving it a paranormal twist really works for me. It’s something that is a terrifying Krisis, and the potential for the mayham is, I think, seared into all of our souls. I can’t wait to see where this series will take me…

 <- Skandal Review Sekret Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Blue Moon by Nikki Kelly

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Kisses and CursesTitle: Blue Moon
Author: Nikki Kelly
Series: The Styclar Saga #0.5
In: Kisses & Curses (Lauren Burniac)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Easy reading, Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: As I rounded the corner, I stopped briefly to rub away the chill that nipped at my ears.

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Synopsis

A young bartender with a hidden past wants out, but is the young, posh man potentially her way out?

Thoughts

This short story had one of my favourite settings in the entire Kisses and Curses collection. It’s a small pub in Wales, with a couple that are kind of the worst owners / bosses. Although completely expected for this setting.

The dark history of the main character, and the somewhat pensive scene helped to create an amazing mood. One that I hope is going to be even more captivating in Lailah.

The final moments of the full moon as the future was contemplated were really potent and, as someone who loves a darkness in stories, it’s a great way to end a short tale and begin a new series.

 <- Tortured Review The Cypress Project Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend Deleted Scenes by Katie Finn

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Kisses and CursesTitle: Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend Deleted Scenes
Author: Katie Finn
Series: Broken Hearts & Revenge #1.1
In: Kisses & Curses (Lauren Burniac)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: He looked even more tan and golden than he had when I’d last video chatted with him.

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Synopsis

Three of the scenes that didn’t quite make it into Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend have found their way into this short collection. It’s a great insight into some of the thought processes that went into creating the novel.

Thoughts

I haven’t read this series yet, or the book from which these deleted scenes come from. There are three excerpts that didn’t quite make it into the book, but they give you an idea about what kind of story you are going to get when reading Broken Hearts, Fences and Other Things to Mend.

I like that although this kind of gives away what is going to happen in the first book of this trilogy. It is a fun little glimpse into a whole new world that I look forward to reading. The fact that each piece has a introduction to explain why it was removed just makes it all the more entertaining.

I always enjoy reading deleted scenes and it’s kind of fun to not only see what didn’t go into the book. But it’s also a great way to see the writing process and thought process of some people who really inspire me.

 <- Krisis Review Tortured Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Cypress Project by Gennifer Albin

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Cypress ProjectTitle: The Cypress Project
Author: Gennifer Albin
Series: Crewel World #0.1
In: Kisses and Curses (Lauren Burniac)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: It would stretch on until there was no one left, until it wiped out the entire world.

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Synopsis

Lucy Price spends her day much like other 16 year-old girls in wartime America: praying that her brother comes back from the front and hoping the war ends quickly. But as violence ravages the world, the end never seems in sight. All Lucy can do is wait and tend to her victory garden while her mother does her part at the ammunition factory in town. That is until the Department of Defense appears on her doorstep telling her she could end the fighting if she’ll join The Cypress Project.

When Joshua O’Donnell’s father packs him off to Yale, forbidding him to enlist, he hopes his son’s brains will keep him off the battlefield. But Joshua’s knack for quantum mechanics draws attentions from his professor, a genius in the field of experimental science, who is working on technology that could end World War Two. Promised a nonviolent end to the war effort, Joshua can hardly say no to helping The Cypress Project.

The war has made Howard Patton an even richer man. Son of railroad tycoon Randolph Patton, Howard was a millionaire before he was born, but with a war on, trains are more important than ever. It’s good business and Howard isn’t eager to see it end until the government approaches him with a proposal: fund the technology that could end the war and receive power beyond his imagination. But when Howard discovers the true nature of The Cypress Project, he realizes his real remuneration is the one thing that his money can’t buy.

Completing The Cypress Project will force them all to make choices between love, destiny and freedom, but as the secrets of the experiment are revealed, each must decide between the bloody war being waged on the world’s soil and a deception that could change the course of humanity.

Thoughts

I’m fascinated by alternate histories. And although this is a fantasy spin on an alternate history, it’s still a really fun read. And fits that little niche that fascinates me nicely. This is based in World War II and provides a point at which the Crewel World splits off from our reality. As someone who hasn’t read Crewel yet, I don’t quite understand how yet. But the introduction to this divergence was brilliant.

I liked the innocence of Lucy and her desire to just do something to help the boys fighting in the war. Her unwillingness to care about men, until she finds one that is worth her time, is kind of cute. And I’m wondering if she shows up again in the greater series. Because the ending to that aspect of the story felt very open and incomplete.

 <- Blue Moon Review The Too-Clever Fox Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Dynamite Junior by Jennifer Mathieu

Book Review, ,

Overview

Kisses and CursesTitle: Dynamite Junior
Author: Jennifer Mathieu
In: Kisses & Curses (Lauren Burniae)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: “Jesus, those white girls are bitches,” says Claudia, like she’s bored more than surprised.

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Synopsis

A short story set against the backdrop of The Truth About Alice. It tells the tale of Carmen as she starts her new life at a new school and in a new town.

Thoughts

It’s been a few days since I read this – I haven’t actually had the chance to sit at my computer until now to write. And the more that I think about it, the more I like this story. It’s a reminder of the cruelties that people inflict on each other. Especially when they are in high school. Although this is a side story that belongs to Mathieu’s bigger novel, it works beautifully as a stand alone.

With the rise of teen violence and disarray in schools, the fact that this was my first short story about such a thing is actually kind of surprising. And it worked really well. It’s a reminder that for many of those children who turn violent for whatever reasoning, there is a family that is left behind. And in this case, it was the boy’s younger sister. The aftermath of his decisions have left an everlasting scar and the way in which she deals with this in her daily life is really captivating and interesting.

 <- Bridge of Snow Review Monster Crush Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Bridge of Snow by Marie Rutkoski

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Bridge of SnowTitle: Bridge of Snow
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Series: The Winner’s Trilogy #0.5
In: Kisses & Curses (Lauren Burniae)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: His shoulders were rigid, his face tight.

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Synopsis

Ignore the stirrings of war. Let the carriage to a royal ball wait. There is a story to be told: of a starless night, a mother and her sick son, and a mortal who falls in love with the snow god, and will do anything to have her…

Thoughts

I really like stories that are retellings of traditional tales. Those tales that tell you how the milkyway was formed, how the emu got its name (one of the versions is really quite funny if you have a chance to look it up)… those kinds of tales. And apparently, according to this short story’s introduction, so does Rutkoski. Which was an incredibly fun and pleasant surprise for me. And now I get to start a new, exciting series that I have never heard of before! (Yes, there is a very good chance that I have a book shopping problem…)

The setting of Bridge of Snow is incredibly sweet. It’s the typical scene of a mother telling her child a bedtime story, and gives the entire tale (and the hint of its tragic end) a very loving and surreal feeling. Kind of like when there’s a power cut and you used to curl up by the fire with your family, just enjoying the flickering of the flames and the peace of being in a place that you know you are loved. The contrast provided by the tale that is told not only has slightly lingering overtones of The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson, but a flavour entirely of its own.

Just reading this short story throws you into an incredible world where a mother’s love for her son is highlighted and the tragedy of his future is glimpsed at. I definitely can’t wait to begin reading The Winner’s Curse.

 <- Glitches Review Dynamite Junior Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Death & Waffles by Lish McBride

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Kisses and Curses

Title: Death & Waffles
Author: Lish McBride
Series: Necromancer #0.5
In: Kisses & Curses (Lauren Burniae)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Ghosts, Necromancers
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: “And this” – I waved my hand at her image, this time in jeans and a KISS T-shirt – “is this also for my benefit?

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Synopsis

Matt’s childhood friend, Ashley, has been stopping by a lot lately. That might seem pretty normal, but Ashley died years ago and now she’s Death.

And tonight she wants waffles and fries.

Thoughts

This story was cute, funny and really fun. Even though there was a death. But the peppy Harbringer of Death made it fun and adorable. Her friendship with Matt was also sweet, albeit in a slightly creepy kind of way. But it worked.

Mostly this story makes me feel a little hungry – it mostly takes place in a dinner and there are waffles. Which I haven’t had in a while… which I really feel like… anyone else got a waffle craving at the moment? Maybe with a side of death?

<- Heads Will RollHold Me Closer, Necromancer ->

Image source: Goodreads

Unstolen by Jessica Brody

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Kisses and Curses

Title: Unstolen
Author: Jessica Brody
Series: Unremembered #1.1
In: Kisses & Curses (Lauren Burniae)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Romance, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: How could they think it wouldn’t scar her permanently?

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Synopsis

An extra scene from the Unremembered series, showing how the stolen memories were obtained.

Thoughts

This is kind of a deleted scene from a series that I haven’t had a chance to read yet. Or really, hadn’t heard of before I read this. Having said that, I did really enjoy it – so it means that it has become quite likely that I will buy Unremembered and actually begin this series.

Unstolen showed a young boy trying to help his love, and fighting for it. But in a very unique way. After all, this story has a very SciFi feel to it, and nothing can be straight forward in a SciFi. I liked the idea of memories stored on a computer and the young boy being completely immersed in another’s feelings and emotions. Also the way in which he constantly felt like he was intruding, even though he was doing this to help somebody that he deeply cared about. I can’t wait to see how this overlaps with the first novel in this series!

<- UnrememberedUndiscovered ->

Image source: Goodreads

Monster Crush by Anna Banks and Emmy Laybourne

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Kisses and CursesTitle: Monster Crush
Author: Anna Banks & Emmy Laybourne
In: Kisses & Curses (Lauren Burniae)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: But she would call them, and tell them she was staying in Colorado forever.

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Synopsis

Monster Crush is the tale of a young woman falling in love for the first time – with a Sasquatch. Told in the form of Twitter posts between two authors, it is incredibly unique and fun to read.

Thoughts

This was one of the most unique short stories I have ever read. Actually, it’s one of the most unique stories I’ve ever read period. Originally, this story was a twitter feed. And it is written as such – both Banks and Laybourne write their 140 character part and the tale is slowly spun.

I liked this story – it features the sasquatch after all. And somebody falling in love with him. And it’s just generally cute and simple. I like a good love story. And the unique way in which it’s told. And the great storyline all worked beautifully together to create a fantastic canvas upon which this journey can be taken.

 <- Dynamite Junior Review Fixer Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Fixer by Courtney Alameda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Kisses and CursesTitle: Fixer
Author: Courtney Alameda
Series: Shutter #0.6
In: Kisses and Curses (Lauren Burniae)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: I stop, wondering when Micheline became my girl.

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Synopsis

Ryder has recently rescued the girl he loves from a horrific monster – but that doesn’t mean that the battle is won. Both Micheline and Ryder are left with scars that they are trying to overcome.

Thoughts

This book has made me incredibly curious about the larger Shutter world in general. The idea of one of the descendants of Van Helsing is fun, although I’m still a little bit hazy as to what the team is hunting in the first place. It feels like a dark, demonic hybrid of a vampire, but I’m going to buy the novel to actually find out.

I found this a really interesting story – it flicked between the present day (and the aftermath of THAT NIGHT) to well, That Night. It’s a great way to see the harm that is inflicted upon Ryder in his attempt to save Micheline. The team’s risk and the ways in which this all interrelates is really fun and interesting. And something that I can’t wait to read more about.

The other thing that I really enjoyed about this story was how the name connected to the last scene. It seemed very random and non-descriptive when I first started reading this, but once the story actually unfolded, I finally understood it. And loved it. Which is why I immediately jumped online to actually buy my copy of Shutter.

 <- Trigger Review Shutter Review ->
Image source: Goodreads