Tag Archives: Paranormal Fantasy

Faery Tales and Nightmares by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Faery Tales and Nightmares

Title: Faery Tales and Nightmares
Author: Melissa Marr
In: Faery Tales & Nightmares (Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This is a fantastic collection, with the vast majority of the short stories set in the Wicked Lovely world. Although this did give me some spoilers for the series, it was still fun and tantalising to constantly visit that world – one that I’ve always enjoyed, just not quite gotten around to finishing yet. But, having all of these wonderful spoilers has just made me all that much more keen to dive back into the series.

I seriously loved jumping in and out of the Wicked Lovely world. Sometimes it’s just nice to briefly visit a world, without having to commit to a full-length novel. I loved that I could do this with this collection, take a brief pause, but not get too distracted from day-to-day responsibilities.

Even though I really enjoyed reading this, admittedly, I think that I would have been better off reading this collection after finishing the Wicked Lovely series. It was intriguing to get all of these tantalising hints, but it also gave away so many twists and spoilers! It’s made it a little less climatic to jump into the other stories and given away a few things that would have made me completely intrigued to read the actual series.

Every single story in this collection (whether a Wicked Lovely story or one that stands alone) was brilliant. And fun. And had those wonderfully dark twists of the fae. I love that these stories weren’t innocent and covered in cheerful faery dust. But filled with the more traditional ideas of fae.

<- Merely MortalWhere Nightmares Walk ->

Image source: HarperCollins Publishers

The Sleeping Girl and the Summer King by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Faery Tales and Nightmares

Title: The Sleeping Girl and the Summer King
Author: Melissa Marr
In: Faery Tales & Nightmares (Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This is a very sweet and simple short story. Not sweet in a romantic, happily ever after way, but rather, in its simplicity. It does fit within the Wicked Lovely world in that it is based around the Summer King and the fae. But beyond that, it’s a great little standalone. At least, that’s how I read it in my current position within my read of this series.

This is a great story about the end of summer and the beginning of winter. It’s a reminder that each season has it’s own beauty and serves its own purpose. And that the end of one season of our lives is just the beginning of the next.

I think I know what decision I would have chosen at the end of this tale. The choice to be a never-ending youth dancing in summer, or someone who gets to grow old and experience the new in winter. I mean, you’d never truly know… but I definitely know which decision calls to me.

<- Flesh for ComfortCotton Candy Skies ->

Image source: HarperCollins Publishers

Unexpected Family by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Faery Tales and Nightmares

Title: Unexpected Family
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Wicked Lovely #5.3
In: Faery Tales & Nightmares (Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I really need to read more of the Wicked Lovely series… I love these short stories for the enjoyment that they are in and of themselves. But, it’s a bit hard to place them within the context of the greater series. Because I’m not very far into it. That, and I keep getting spoilers about some pretty major developments…

I enjoyed getting to know Seth more in this short story. He’s someone that I fell in love with very quickly in Wicked Lovely, and reading more about not just him, but also his briefly touched upon parents… priceless. That, and you also get to know his fae family a little better.

Seth and Niall have a fantastic friendship, one I want to read more about in the future. It’s definitely a loyalty you don’t see often. In real life or literature.

<- Cotton Candy SkiesMerely Mortal ->

Image source: HarperCollins Publishers

Cotton Candy Skies by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Faery Tales and Nightmares

Title: Cotton Candy Skies
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Wicked Lovely #5.2
In: Faery Tales & Nightmares (Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year: 2012

Thoughts

Although I really enjoyed this short story, as I enjoy all the writings of Melissa Marr that I’ve had the pleasure of reading thus far. I do need to read a bit more of the Wicked Lovely series to gain some context to this one. It was great, I understood it and I enjoyed it. But I also had no idea what had happened between Ink Exchange and this moment. Absolutely no clue. And I feel like not only did I get some spoilers, but I didn’t appreciate some of the more wonderful nuances of this tale.

I did hate how broken Rabbit obviously was in this story though. He’s such a sweet secondary character in the stories that I’ve read, so I want more of him as I delve further into this series. I feel like his backstory is complex and fascinating. One that will be fun to read more of. And I definitely felt for him in this tale. A feeling of loss and emptiness was definitely full throughout this.

One of the things I loved about this was the fact that Rabbit’s “mate” just decided on him. And decided to move in with him. The connection between them is obvious from the beginning, but it is mostly this beautiful, understated one that makes you realise that sometimes partnership comes on slowly. I also really enjoyed how she just decided on him, whether he wanted to dive in or not.

Then there’s the imagery of cotton candy skies. They feel beautiful and picturesque to me. Something that I really enjoyed. And honestly dreamt about at night after finishing this short story.

<- Darkest MercyUnexpected Family ->

Image source: HarperCollins Publishers

Stopping Time by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Faery Tales and Nightmares

Title: Stopping Time
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Wicked Lovely #3.5
In: Faery Tales & Nightmares (Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: 2012

Thoughts

It’s been a ridiculously long time since I read Ink Exchange, and this short story really made me want to dive right back into it. I mean, Old Habits was good and bought me back into this world. But Stopping Time brings back Leslie and all of her battles. This short story in particular focuses on her complicated relationships and feelings for Irial and Niall. Both of which I want to keep diving into if I’m being completely honest.

Leslie’s brother is pure evil in my honest opinion. I mean, it’s one thing to be an addict, but preying upon his sister in the way that he does is ridiculous. So I loved that in this short story he finally got his comeuppance. I mean, it was dark, sad and disturbing. But it was nice to know that he is finally not terrorising anybody else. It’s also a nice catalyst for Leslie to at least acknowledge some of the issues that are facing her relationships with Irial and Niall.

I love that this story reflects the title – sometimes you just have to stop time and take what you want and need. It might hurt more the next day, but it can be kind of necessary at times. Niall and Leslie taking that for each other as Irial tries to make the two people he loves the most happy… it was a very bittersweet moment and way to end the story.

One of my favourite things about Leslie in this series is that she has a whole other kind of strength than Ash. And it’s this strength that makes her acknowledge her reluctance to be with Niall and part of the Dark Court isn’t actually about him. It’s knowing what kind of person she wants to be and how she’ll be changed by exposure to such a court. Talk about wonderful inner strength.

<- Fragile EternityRadiant Shadows ->

Image source: HarperCollins Publishers

Old Habits by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Faery Tales and Nightmares

Title: Old Habits
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Wicked Lovely #2.5
In: Faery Tales & Nightmares (Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I haven’t revisited any of the Wicked Lovely world for quite a while. I definitely remember reading both Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange, but it’s been a very long time since I’ve even read them. Which made reading this novella / short story all that much enjoyable. It bought back exactly what it is about this world that I love so much. And why I sink so deeply into the work of Melissa Marr.

Niall was a fun character in Ink Exchange (from what I remember), and it was really nice to get to know him better in this tale. It’s all about what happens to him and between him and Iriall after the dramas of the previous stories. The intricacies of the courts and the more drama that is about to follow our multiple leads are also hinted at in this tale. Ones that make me desperate to dive right back into this world.

I love how this tale is definitely one that I think will be useful to the greater series, but not one that needs a full-length novel. After all, it’s all about the changing of the old guard to make way for the new. Both Niall and Iriall have issues with understanding and maintaining the new status quo. And both are able to find a way to (eventually) work together to create a happier future for everyone in the Dark Court.

This tale ends on a bit of a hint as to what is likely to happen in Fragile Eternity. So now I have to dig right in and see if my hunch that Sebastian is about to get even more heavily involved with the fae is correct…

<- Ink ExchangeFragile Eternity ->

Image source: HarperCollins Publishers

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Ink Exchange
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Wicked Lovely #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2008

Thoughts

This is probably one of the most dark (in a psychological way) stories that I’ve read in a long time. I mean, it is incredibly dark and twisted. And features the Dark Fae Court, so you kind of expect that. Yet, it is the darkness that the humans bring into the storyline that really had me feeling uncomfortable. It’s one thing for a fantasy creature who is created to be part of the “dark court” to be… well, dark. But, it’s another to realise that that darkest and most evil characters are those who are human and have no real excuse.

Leslie’s background and her journey throughout this story is seriously heart breaking. I mean, it was hard to read when I read this as a young adult and didn’t quite get how dark things could truly be for some people. Reading this as an adult? I can’t believe that this is a young adult book! Yet, Marr does a fantastic job of not only talking about rape and abuse. But there is also beautiful, powerful and potent symbolism about the recovery from, well, any kind of assault. Again, the darkness and the emotions in this are just… phenomenal. And unforgettable. And kind of painful to read about.

Although I kind of liked Irial, I also kind of hated him. In the end, Leslie goes from one bad situation of control to another. He might do it with the noblest intentions for his people. And he might even do his best to keep Leslie happy and assuage his guilt. But, ultimately it is a very toxic love and one that definitely isn’t one that I enjoyed reading about. This story also made me like Keenan a whole lot less as well. I mean, the fae aren’t in any way, shape or form painted as good and kind creatures. But these two monarchs are absolutely cruel in their actions. Cruel in a way that hurt my heart more than a little.

Irial might kind of be the leading man in this story, but he’s definitely not the one I want the happily ever after for. He is, as I said before, problematic. Not quite evil and not someone that you hate. In fact, I do want him to be happy. But it’s Leslie and Niall that I thought were a fantastic couple throughout this storyline. The couple that I’m hoping will end up together in the future as the rest of the Wicked Lovely stories unfold.

<- Wicked LovelyOld Habits ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Goddess of Summer Love by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Goddess of Summer Love
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Cursed Luck #1.5
In: Hex on the Beach (Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost & Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

It was really fun to dive right back into the Cursed Luck world. Its been a little while since I read the first book and had the pleasure of meeting the whole cast. Which meant that this was a lovely little break in time to re-meet everyone. Particularly since it is all written from Vanessa’s point of view – something entirely unique from the insights you gain from Kennedy’s point of view.

I love that although this is a story about a matchmaker trying to, well, matchmake – it is also fun to try and solve the background mysteries of this story. Not just what happened to Lisa Lake in the recent past. But also what on earth is happening throughout the tours now and how this is related to the past. I definitely didn’t expect either outcome of the mysteries, although, admittedly, I didn’t spend too much time trying to solve what had happened either…

At it’s core, this novella is a tale of four different couples. Each at totally different stages of their relationships and connection to one another. It was fun to read about the different dynamics and needs of each matchup. Plus, it was fun to realise that all of Vanessa’s behaviours were really just projecting her own wants and desires onto others. Luckily, she does realise this before it’s too late…

<- Cursed LuckHigh Jinx ->

Image source: Booktopia

Shifting Shadows by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Shifting Shadows
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercedes Thompson short stories, Mercy-verse short stories
In: Shifting Shadows (Patricia Briggs)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections, Strong women, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Year: 2014

Thoughts

This is such a fantastic collection, probably one of my favourite short story collections. Because, lets face it, anything that features the Mercyverse is going to be brilliant. A collection of novellas and short stories which visit the many, many wonderful characters… that’s just a wonderful adventure to go on.

Shifting Shadows is filled with stories of all lengths and tones. There are some pretty dark stories, some that are light, and some that are cute. I love that you are able to go through the gambit of emotions and pick a story of any length to suit your mood. Although, I would suggest digging into this when you’ve read the relevant novel in the series, that way you don’t get too many spoilers.

I love that if I need a Mercyverse fix, I can just pick this collection up and dive right in. It’s a bit of a shorter approach to diving back into the world without picking up a full-length novel. Plus, it gives you a bit of insight into the other, secondary characters throughout the series.

Shifting Shadows is one of my favourite rereads. It’s a wonderful and fun journey that I will take again and again and again as the years go by. Plus, there are some moments of closure and context that are provided in these tales that help to build upon the full-length novels.

<- Soul TakenMore Mercedes Thompson ->

Image source: Patricia Briggs

Hollow by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Hollow
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercedes Thompson #8.5, Mercy-verse #25
In: Shifting Shadows (Patricia Briggs)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Year: 2014

Thoughts

Hollow is a wonderful short story that follows on perfectly from Night Broken. It fills in a few of the moments and questions that are left unanswered after the main battle and storyline are completed. It’s also just a bit of a cute story, the secondary characters that come in asking for Mercy’s help are very cute and you are gunning for their relationship from the very beginning.

One of the parts of closure that I liked from  this story is just what happens to Mercy’s garage. I mean, crazy volcano god destroying your place of work and refuge is a pretty big plot point. And it was nice to know how Mercy and Adam choose to move forward with the structure. And Mercy’s future. It wasn’t a question that I necessarily wanted answered when I finished Night Broken, because I didn’t realise that it was a question I wanted answered…

Then there is the ability to get to know Zack a little bit better. After losing a submissive in another story, it was nice to get to know this new character. I’m hoping to spend more time with him throughout the future stories. That, and Mercy’s ability to constantly find out more about her supernatural abilities was brilliant. In fact, this very short fun dive into the Mercyverse was very much enjoyed and answered a number of questions I didn’t even know to ask.

<- Night BrokenFire Touched ->

Image source: Patricia Briggs