Tag Archives: Paranormal Fantasy

All Through the Night by Elise Forier Edie

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover haunted nights ellen datlow

Title: All Through the Night
Author: Elise Forier Edie
In: Haunted Nights (Lisa Morton & Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Ghosts, Paranormal fantasy
Dates read: 28th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Blumhouse
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: But all that happened was a hand touched her head, warm and soft.

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Synopsis

She moved from Ireland to create a better life. But then she lost her husband. And then the fae came visiting on All Hallows Eve…

Thoughts

Most of the stories in the Haunted Nights collection have been a little intense and quite frankly horrifying. This one isn’t really horrifying. It’s just incredibly tragic and sad. I don’t cry, much, at all. But I did feel a sore point in my breast. It was just so… sad.

This short story is a fantastic weaving together of Irish folklore and the difficulties of travelling to America at the turn of the century. The poverty and the risks that were taken for such a thing. It’s also about a melding of the world and beliefs. She spends her time believing that the fae are going to take her baby. And her baby is taken… but it has a little more to do with the realities of the world in which she’s found herself.

All Hallows Eve is creepy. It’s probably why I hate Halloween so much. People celebrate it because they have no idea about the history of it and the darkness that surrounds the night. The thin veiling between the spirit world and reality. This was a great way to bring back those realities of what I actually think is a kind of terrifying night.

 <- Sisters ReviewA Kingdom of Sugar Skulls and Marigolds Review ->

Image source: Amazon

Naked City edited by Ellen Datlow

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Overview
naked-city

Title: Naked City
Author: Ellen Datlow, Jim Butcher, Delia Sherman, Richard Bowes, Ellen Kushner, Christopher Fowler, Patricia Briggs, Pat Cadigan, Peter S. Beagle, Naomi Novik, Matthew Kressel, Kit Reed, Lavie Tidhar, Nathan Ballingrud, Melissa Marr, John Crowley, Holly Black, Jeffrey Ford, Lucius Shepard, Caitlin R. Kiernan & Elizabeth Bear
In: Naked City (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 28th June – 26th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Out in Brooklyn in a couple of spots you can walk down a street and almost think it’s a hundred and twenty-five years ago.

Synopsis

In this thrilling collection of original stories, some of today’s hottest paranormal authors delight, thrill, and captivate readers with otherworldly tales of magic and mischief. In Jim Butcher’s “Curses”, Harry Dresden investigates how to lift a curse laid by the Fair Folk on the Chicago Cubs. In Patricia Briggs’s “Fairy Gifts”, a vampire is called home by magic to save the Fae who freed him from a dark curse. In Melissa Marr’s “Guns for the Dead”, the newly dead Frankie Lee seeks a job in the afterlife on the wrong side of the law. In Holly Black’s “Noble Rot”, a dying rock star discovers that the young woman who brings him food every day has some strange appetites of her own.

Featuring original stories from twenty authors, this dark, captivating, fabulous, and fantastical collection is not to be missed!

Thoughts

This is a seriously diverse collection of urban fantasy short stories. Not to mention fun and engaging. Probably moving right to the top of my list if I’m being honest. Normally my purview of urban fantasy is kind of small. But the breadth and width of these stories and the style in which they’re written… just wow.

I loved the fact that most of these short stories were standalones. I used to really enjoy finding new series through short stories and novellas. But, I have so many now that sometimes just reading a standalone without having to hunt out more of that world (I’m obsessive, I do this EVERY time) was kind of nice. I got a great taste of the imaginations and storytelling talents of a variety of authors, without actually feeling the need to buy more, more, more. Honestly, there is nothing worse than finding myself a new series to obsess over and then realising that I have a whole slew of new books to buy…

Although this is an urban fantasy collection, it does have a darker twist to it than usual. Every single one of these stories is a little bit dark, a lot bit fun and most don’t have a happy ending. Which, I tend to love, because I get a bit over all the happily ever afters… but it’s definitely something to keep in mind as you rip through the stories.

<- CorpsemouthCurses ->

Image source: Patricia Briggs

The Wager by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of paranormal romance book cover

Title: The Wager
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Camelot, Paranormal fantasy
Dates read: 26th December 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: In his day that Sir had meant that he was a man with standing.

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Synopsis

Sir Thomas Mallory thought that it was all a dream. So there was a drunken night in a bar. Then there was a book. And then he remembered that it wasn’t actually a dream…

Thoughts

Here I’m speaking from personal experience: sometimes you should just keep your damn mouth shut. And the narrator of this short story is definitely in agreement with me. He should have kept his mouth shut, and then maybe he wouldn’t be in purgatory. Definitely enjoyed this story. But it’s in a collection of romances… and I don’t feel like this is a romance at all. Sure, there’s a little lust, but it’s not exactly about a romance between two individuals.

I love that this story uses the stories of Camelot, Arthur and Avalon. That the narrator is Sir Thomas Mallory. The senses of history and truth interwoven with paranormality and supernatural fantasy worked really well. These are the kinds of stories that I love – the ones that use fact and fiction to create a fantastic new reality that you just can’t help but dive into.

I’m kind of annoyed that this isn’t part of a bigger series. I would love one in which the stories of Camelot are true, but with a supernatural twist. Weirdly enough, I did just receive The Guinevere Deception in a book box… so this might be what I have to pick up next to get my fix.

 <- Blue Crush ReviewIn Sheep’s Clothing Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Difference Between Deceit and Delusion by Domino Finn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for urban enemies book cover

Title: The Difference Between Deceit and Delusion
Author: Domino Finn
Series: Black Magic Outlaw Companion
In: Urban Enemies (Joseph Nassise)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 19th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: Bullets peppered the large surface but failed to penetrate.

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Synopsis

What’s the difference between deceit and delusion? Will this villain be able to figure out the answer before it’s too late?

Thoughts

This entire story was just a complete, total and utter massacre. Which I loved. Because I’m a blood-thirsty little freak. But it’s probably not okay that I actually enjoyed this much death and killing. I grinned the whole way through this story. Completely unable to remove the grin from my face. But, it’s hooked me into this series. So obviously it was a story that was worth reading and a series that will make it to the top of my TBR list.

I loved that this story utilises people of African faith and mythology. It’s not one that I come across frequently, and I hope that this African flavor makes its way into the greater series when I finally get to add them to my shelves. Most of my stories generally include European mythologies, and I’m sure some of that will makes its way in, but the fact that there was discussion of Anansi and the such? It made the bloodthirsty grin even wider.

One of the reasons that I probably enjoyed the bloodthirstiness of this story so much – I’ve been in a pretty bad mood of late. Reading a story which is incredibly violent and dark is always a way to draw me in when I’m in such a state. Not the kind of short story that I’m likely to forget anytime soon.

 <- Reel Life ReviewBalance Review ->
Image source: Simon & Schuster

Blue Crush by Rachel Caine

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of paranormal romance book cover

Title: Blue Crush
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: Weather Warden #7.5, Weather Warden Universe # 13
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 19th December 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: We can’t save them.

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Synopsis

Jo and David just want to spend a nice, leisurely afternoon at the beach. But a group of thugs, a near drowning and some not-so-pretty mermaids are about to mess with their plans.

Thoughts

The Weather Warden series is one of those that I thoroughly enjoy. Yet, I don’t tend to pick it up as quickly. Probably because the chapters are pretty much half the novel. Having said that, reading Blue Crush reminded me how much I love this series and how much I need to read the next one. There is just something about Jo’s spunk that draws me in. Even when it’s a short story about a day at the beach with her lover…

This short story reminds me of the reasons why I hate swimming in the ocean. There is just something about it that gives me the heebies. And considering this short story also has mermaids in the ocean who want to kidnap and kill unwilling swimmers… ugly mermaids. Although, it adds an extra layer to the mythos of the series. An extra paranormal race which could be potentially very interesting further along in the series.

This short story is a sweet, fun and not-so-easy read. It’s quick, but so much goes on in just a few pages. Probably one of the main reasons I love Caine’s work. So much is squeezed into such a few pages. Leaving you feeling in shock and completely disappointed that the story was over so quickly.

 <- At Second Bite ReviewThe Wager Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Il Est Ne by Carrie Vaughn

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for wolfsbane and mistletoe book cover

Title: Il Est Ne
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Norville #2.5
In: Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner) & Kitty’s Greatest Hits (Carrie Vaughn)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Dates read: 16th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: Who knew what he would do, an out-of-control werewolf roaming the countryside?

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Synopsis

Kitty is all alone on New Years Eve. That is, until David walks into the dinner. David is fed up with being a werewolf, the black outs, the violence, the departure from his normal life… but now he might have found a way to start living again. If only they can work together on Christmas Eve.

Thoughts

I vaguely remember from French that il est ne means something like it isn’t. I think… it’s been a while since I studied French. But, if that is the literal translation for this story… it kind of works well. It’s a tale of Kitty at Christmas time, alone and without family, friends or pack. And another werewolf who is also completely alone. There is always something perpetuated as quite sad about such an eventuality.

That I do love about this is that it’s actually all about Kitty helping someone else. Which, after all, isn’t helping the less fortunate what Christmas is all about? At least, that’s what I choose to focus on at this time of year. Which, seems to be losing it’s glossy, beautiful, happy shine a little more with each passing year. It’s also about loneliness. Although I might have family around at this time of year, my partner is often away and I feel that loneliness quite drastically. Which made me feel a little too in touch with some of the emotions in this story. I’m honestly not sure if that’s good or bad, but I certainly enjoyed the tale because of it!

There is a great sense of love, understanding and compassion in this story. Feelings and emotions that I think we should embrace year round, not just in the holiday season. It kind of made me happily wistful when the story ended and more than a little tempted to reach out and help somebody less fortunate…

 <- Fresh Meat ReviewThe Perfect Gift Review ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Devil to Pay by Jeaniene Frost

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Overview
Image result for four dukes and a devil book cover

Title: Devil to Pay
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Huntress #3.5, Night Huntress Universe #3.5
In: Four Dukes and a Devil (Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash & Tracy Anne Warren)
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: 15th December 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon Romance
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: No, Elise.

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Synopsis

Elise hasn’t felt anything since her fiance attacked her. But, a chance encounter with a demon possessed man could help her. With help from Menchares, she might just find a way to her happily ever after.

Thoughts

This year I’ve managed to read a few Night Huntress novels and each time, I fall a little bit more in love with the series. There is just something amazingly engaging and fun about it! But, what I got really, really excited about in this novella – it’s the first story so far in the series which features a demon! Not sure why, but that was a ridiculously exciting moment for me…

Although this story isn’t actually about Bones and Cat, they do still make their appearance. Which was much appreciated. Albeit, only briefly. But enough to give a great sense of continuity whilst you’re barracking for another couple and another supernatural difficulty. There’s nothing like spending a half hour to quickly revisit some characters and a world that you weren’t entirely sure you were missing… actually, mostly I was kind of disappointed that it was over.

Mencheres also makes a great appearance in this story. It’s nice to visit him after the occurrences in At Grave’s End. His was a bit of a tragic story, and you can feel the scars left on him – I look forward to getting to know this character more as the series develops.

But mostly, I just loved this novella because it was about a reclusive woman finding a way to live, love and exist again. I’m always a big fan of stories which feature a character overcoming the shit in their past and finding their own happily ever after… which happens in this. A great little read for late at night, after a long, horrible day…

<- At Grave’s EndDestined for an Early Grave ->

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Unexpected Choices by Diana Pharaoh Francis

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for urban enemies book cover

Title: Unexpected Choices
Author: Diana Pharaoh Francis
Series: Horngate Witches #4.5
In: Urban Enemies (Joseph Nassise)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Witches
Dates read: 13th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: She lifted her chin, meeting his gaze.

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Synopsis

She’s banished him to purgatory for the past three and a half years. But now she brings him back to protect her from a greater evil. Will they survive or will he turn on this powerful witch?

Thoughts

So far in the collection of Urban Enemies, this is the most coherent story. All the other stories, you definitely have to read the rest of the series, or at least some of it, to understand the characters. To the point that I’ve almost given up… almost. And then you get a story like this… which makes sense completely on its own. I still feel like I need to read the series attached to this. But because it was such a great story, not because I finished it and sat there wondering “huh”?

You can tell that this short story takes place at a critical turning point in the series timeline. It is the turning of the world – from our current reality, to one in which magic is commonplace and there are greater battles going on. See how much I can get out of a well written short story? Actually, the entire turning of reality seriously intrigued me and now I want to know how that happened, why and what’s going to happen next… pity there’s such a thing as a budget, hey?

I like that this seems to be an enemies to friends kind of story. I don’t really read many of them, but the consensus I got was that the Big Bad Wolf (or angel, whatever) is starting to question his reality and motives. And, in doing so, understanding that of the “good witch”. It’ll be interesting to see how this change in perspectives changes the rest of the series narrative.

 <- Chase the Fire ReviewReel Life Review ->
Image source: Simon & Schuster

Nos Galan Gaeaf by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover haunted nights ellen datlow

Title: Nos Galan Gaeaf
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Cainsville #0.2
In: Haunted Nights (Lisa Morton & Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 2nd December 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Blumhouse
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: But remember this: there is no fate you cannot undo.

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Synopsis

In Cainsville nothing is as expected. Including Halloween. And a bit of revenge might just turn sour… and quickly.

Thoughts

Halloween has always felt like somewhat of a dark holiday to me. There is just something about it that isn’t all clean and shiny like many of the other holidays and festivals that we celebrate. So I really loved that Armstrong took this and made it even darker, twistier and waaaaaaaay scarier. She created a kind of horrible (but also bloody brilliant) story that I look forward to reading again in the future.

This story starts out with a crush. More of a lustful crush. One that isn’t reciprocated. But, it doesn’t mean that they’re evil and have cast a spell on you. It probably just means that you have a crush. This is Cainsville though. Nothing is quite that simple, and it is always much nastier than a normal response. Which is why I love it.

My favourite thing about this short story is that karma is a fickle bitch. It’s a reminder that what we plan to do to someone is likely to come back to us… tenfold. And, especially if you live in Cainsville, you should probably make sure that you think about your actions first…

<- The Screams of DragonsDevil May Care ->

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My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding edited by P.N. Elrod

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Overview
Image result for my big fat supernatural wedding book cover

Title: My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding
Author: P.N. Elrod, L.A. Banks, Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine, Esther M. Friesner, Lori Handeland, Charlaine Harris, Sherrilyn Kenyon & Susan Krinard
In: My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 30th September – 30th November 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: “You and your” – his eyes flicked toward Ian, who was clambering over the railing – “your intended can wait up on the quarterdeck.”

Synopsis

Werewolves, vampires, witches, voodoo, Elvis—and weddings

An “ordinary” wedding can get crazy enough, so can you imagine what happens when otherworldly creatures are involved? Nine of the hottest authors of paranormal fiction answer that question in this delightful collection of supernatural wedding stories. What’s the seating plan when rival clans of werewolves and vampires meet under the same roof? How can a couple in the throes of love overcome traps set by feuding relatives—who are experts at voodoo? Will you have a good marriage if your high-seas wedding is held on a cursed ship? How do you deal with a wedding singer who’s just a little too good at impersonating Elvis? Shape-shifters, wizards, and magic, oh my!

Thoughts

I started reading this collection just before my best friend got married. I kind of figured that it was just a suitable kind of anthology to be reading when I too, was experiencing much of the wedding insanity that tends to surround such a fun day. And, it was nice to know that no matter what happened… nothing could go as badly wrong as many of the weddings in this collection.

There is something about weddings that seems to bring out the best and worst in people. So much pressure and stress for just one day which always blows my mind… but most people don’t have to deal with the supernatural. The characters in these stories do. And some of the battles they face are just… well, ridiculous. And difficult. And so much fun to read about.

Most of the authors in this collection I have on my shelves. Which made this a really good collection to read. Not only did I not then add a hundred different books to my wish list, but I often had the pleasure of revisiting worlds that I already have on my shelves. And the few I didn’t recognise? Well, they’ve quickly found their way on my to buy next list…

 <- “…Or Forever Hold Your Peace”Spellbound ->

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