Tag Archives: Paranormal Fantasy

Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Storm FrontTitle: Storm Front
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: I planted my feet and faced him, without meeting his eyes.

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Synopsis

Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he’s the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most don’t play well with humans. That’s where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a—well, whatever. There’s just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks.

So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry’s seeing dollar signs. But where there’s black magic, there’s a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry’s name. And that’s when things start to get interesting.

Magic – it can get a guy killed.

Thoughts

There’s nothing like a sassy, slightly left of centre main character. And when the story is told from their point of view? It’s fantastic! It’s little wonder that I loved this novel so much.

I’m a fan of both crime and paranormal fantasy books. After all, I love the wonders of the paranormal world. But I also love trying to figure who-done-it in the crime novels. Butcher hits on the combination of these two genres perfectly. Dresden runs around the streets of Chicago trying to find a missing man, solve a murder, and dodge killer demons. Honestly, what more could you want in a story?

Harry Dresden is a gangly, slightly awkward, attitudinal lead. Which, as with all good books, gets him in more trouble than anything else. Add to this a council member who wants him dead, and a talking head (literally) that is more than a little twisted, and it is ensured that Harry is going to have a dreadful time trying to solve his two crimes. Yet, everything is relevant – there isn’t a moment in this fantastically crafted novel that doesn’t serve a purpose, and I kind of love this fact. It doesn’t make it any easier to piece together who the baddies are. And it doesn’t lead to a predictable end to the story. But it does mean that I’m not let wondering why some random act happened, with no real answer.

The only problem that I have with this novel is the fact that now I have to wait until Fool Moon arrives in my bookshelves… it was just too good and the wait is a little too long!

<- Welcome to the Jungle Review Fool Moon Review ->
Image source: Muneer Huda

A Restoration of Faith by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

A Restoration of FaithTitle: A Restoration of Faith
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #0.2
In: Side Jobs (Jim Butcher)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: The troll will let you cross the bridge if I’m not with you.

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Synopsis

Restoration of Faith. Restoration of Faith is a short story in The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. It is set before Storm Front. The story was originally published on Jim–Butcher.com, and later included in the book Side Jobs.

Thoughts

Butcher starts off this short story by pointing out that this was one of the first short stories he’d ever written, and as such, it wasn’t his best work. But here, I must disagree. Or at least, not quite agree. I loved this fantastic short story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the introduction to Harry Dresden’s apprenticeship days.

There are so many unwanted children in the world. And they’re not all homeless or from lower socio-economic homes. Some, like Faith are from families who are immensely well off. They’re just not quite wanted. Which brings up an interesting ethical question, what should be done for them? That is what Dresden is forced to face (alongside a bridge troll) in A Restoration of Faith. And honestly, it works perfectly.

The other thing that I love about A Restoration of Faith is it shows us Dresden’s first meeting with Murphy. It is a single, simple moment in time that has a great impact on their lives and I love how seamlessly it works into the rest of the series.

<- Side Jobs Review Welcome to the Jungle Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Arcane Art of Misdirection by Carrie Vaughn

Book Review, , ,

Overview

hex-appealTitle: The Arcane Art of Misdirection
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Norville #4.6
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Which opened into a hallway, just like the one she’d left.

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Synopsis

Welcome to the world of Kitty Norville. Where nothing is as it seems, including the world of casinos and gambling.

Thoughts

Casinos are a great location for mystery and subterfuge – they’re all about tricking the senses and convincing people to stay and act against their will. The idea of a sorcerer using this against the system to meet their own ends worked really beautifully, as did the description of such a location as a maze to trap people into spending their money. After all, they’re designed to contain everything and anything that we could want so that we don’t want to leave. Contrasting this view of those who want to win with a woman who works for the system and finds it rather tedious and boring was a great approach in this short story.

There are few people who are able to see through their preconceived conceptions to the inner truth, and it was enjoyable reading about somebody who is so inclined. Very few people would be able to see past this, and more difficult yet, accept this altered reality. There is a reason that everything is coloured by our preconceptions and this short story was a great way in which to question what happens when such preconceived ideas are altered. The conclusion of this story really highlights this complete change in Julie’s outlook on life and the potential new futures which she faces.

 <- Cherry Kisses Review Hex Appeal Review ->
Image source: Succubus

Lucky Charms by Lisa Shearin

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
night-shift

Title: Lucky Charms
Author: Lisa Shearin
Series: SPI Files #0.5
In: Night Shift (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: “So there’s no way around my being involved.”

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Synopsis

It’s seer “Makenna Frazier’s” first day on the job at Supernatural Protection and Investigations, and her first assignment is more than she bargained for when bodyguard duty for a leprechaun prince’s bachelor party goes every which way but right in national bestselling author Lisa Shearin’s “Lucky Charms“.

Thoughts

This is an awesome start to a new series, with a great chief protagonist and an awesome premise for a magical police agency – the SPI. I liked the way that Shearin overlays the idea of SPI on top of our everyday lives and makes the idea of Leprechauns running wild through the streets plausible and believable. The hints provided throughout this short story are a great preclude into the actual SPI Files books and I can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon for Mac.

Shearin achieves something that is incredibly difficult in stories – humour that is actually funny. It is incredibly difficult to be funny on paper and weave this into the storyline. But, Lucky Charms does this perfectly – a cross dressing leprechaun dancing in a goblin sex club is an image that will forever make me smile and stay in my head.

<- Magic StealsThe Grendel Affair ->

Image source: Audiobooks

High Stakes by Chloe Neill

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Kicking It

Title: High Stakes
Author: Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #8.25
In: Kicking It (Faith Hunter & Kalayna Price)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Roc
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: “I love you,” I said, pulling back and putting my hands on his cheeks, making him look at me and see the emotion reflected in my face.

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Synopsis

Boot-loving Cadogan vampire Lindsey must team up with off-again, on-again vampire partner Luc when a woman from her past is targeted by supernaturals in “New York Times “bestselling author Chloe Neill’s all-new adventure. 

Thoughts

The name of this story is brilliant – high stakes, stakes as in vampires. I had way too much of a giggle over this. The story title, combined with the great and engaging plot line has inspired me to buy the first book in the Chicagoland Vampires series, and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the cast and crew of this interesting vampire series (and I don’t normally like vampire books, Twilight kind of ruined that for me…).

Reading about a girl with issues always tickles my happy literary place – if someone with issues is able to find love, then anyone can. The lack of perfection in a chief protagonist makes them a much, much better and more engaging character. I like that although Lindsey’s past is coming back to haunt her in a big way and she has huge trust and commitment issues, she is able to find someone who has her back, even when she is not being nice about it.

<- Biting BadHowling for You ->

Image source: Penguin

Ginger by Caitlin Kittredge

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

strange-brewTitle: Ginger
Author: Caitlin Kittredge
Series: Nocturne City #3.5
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Werewolves, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: I pulled the magick down to me, feeling it spiral from my forehead to my fingers.

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Synopsis

The sweet, quiet sidekick finds her own strength and power.

Thoughts

Sunny was a very sweet heroine in Ginger, and a great counterpart to her far more volatile cousin. The balance between these two characters was enjoyable, and Sunny’s ability to hold her own (even when she doubts that she can) reminds us that strength comes in all shapes and sizes. Even in those who are naturally meek and uninterested in conflict of any shape or form.

The political intrigue and use of the American Justice System in the telling of this story added a layer of interest to a tale that is otherwise a little forgettable. The characters are relatable and enjoyable, but the overarching storyline was not as spine tingling and attention grabbing as the rest of the short stories in the Strange Brew collection.

 <- Signatures of the Dead Review Dark Sins Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

A Good Bargain by Christina Henry

Book Review, , , ,

Black Wings ShortsTitle: A Good Bargain
Author: Christina Henry
Series: Black Wings #1.6
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Ghosts, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Christina Henry online
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: The ground shook like the tremor of an earthquake, and I staggered a little.

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Everyone loves a good bargain. And, although I can’t imagine what it is like to go shopping at a Walmart or some such shop, it was still quite amusing reading about Maddie’s (once again) chaotic experience of shopping. The appearance of Lucifer, and Beezle’s snappy comments just helped to increase the enjoyable feeling of mayhem that I know I experience when I have to go to the shops.

This is a great little short story that, although it doesn’t quite add to the overarching storyline, is a great aside of Maddie’s daily existence under the shadow of Lucifer’s lineage. A nice way to fill up 5 minutes when you don’t have the time to read one of the novels.

 <- Night Out Review Moonlight and Sunscreen Review ->
Image source: Fang-tastic Fiction

Night Out by Christina Henry

Book Review, , , ,

Black Wings ShortsTitle: Night Out
Author: Christina Henry
Series: Black Wings #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Ghosts, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Christina Henry online
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: He stood in a shadow cast by the taller hotel across the alley from the movie theatre roof.

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It’s kind of difficult to find the time, not to mention the money to spend a night out on the town. And I don’t have supernatural duties and forces to contend with. Maddie and Beezle’s night on the town, although it had a happy ending had the same catastrophic, chaotic style that well, all of her stories do. It made me feel a lot better about my own hermit-like existence at times…

Dragons, illusions and weird little demons are a great way to work up the energy to watch Toy Story 3 (which I haven’t seen yet by the way). And Beezle’s determination to have his popcorn is both irritating, and endearingly obnoxious. Maddie’s ability to constantly maintain her sass and attitude, even when she’s quite possibly bleeding to death shines again throughout this story. If you’re feeling bad about not going out to socialise as much as you’d like then this is a good little story to read. It will not only make you laugh on your night in, but it will also remind you that sometimes it is just better to stay at home.

 <- Black Wings Review A Good Bargain Review ->
Image source: Fang-tastic Fiction

Aren’t You Glad You Didn’t Turn on the Lights? by Christina Henry

Book Review, , , ,

Black Wings ShortsTitle: Aren’t You Glad You Didn’t Turn on the Lights?
Author: Christina Henry
Series: Black Wings #0.6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Ghosts, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Christina Henry online
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: He was young, surprisingly young.

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In hindsight, this isn’t really the type of story you should be reading while you are in the middle of nowhere, doing fieldwork at 3am… The title alone kind of shows that. Regardless, I actually thoroughly enjoyed these five pages of slight terror that I felt in my tiny, accessible cabin on reserve. I just didn’t so much enjoy it when I decided to turn out the lights…

Maddie’s position as an Agent of Death must have some pretty difficult deaths which she is forced to witness. And, although they don’t fit into the overall structure of the novels, I like that Henry was able to find time to pen a short story of one such moment. I can’t imagine the horror that Maddie felt at watching a, well, horrifying murder take place right in front of her. Yet, the poetic justice of the story did help it to come full circle and emphasise that at least in this literary world, good always triumphs.

 <- The Care and Feeding of Gargoyles Review Black Wings Review ->
Image source: Fang-tastic Fiction

Bacon by Charlaine Harris

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
strange-brew

Title: Bacon
Author: Charlaine Harris
Series: Sookie Stackhouse #8.6
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: “I understand,” Kathy murmured.

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Synopsis

A beautiful Vampire named Dahlia joins forces with a Witch named Taffy from an ancient line to find out who killed her beloved husband.

Thoughts

I’m not normally a huge fan of stories that are all about revenge – it seems like most of the time it is a twisted pursuit that leaves the perpetuators shells of their former selves. However, I liked the gradual and manipulative way in which Dahlia pursues her vengeance in this short story. Not only is it a pursuit in the name of love, but the sass and flash with which she carries out her retribution completely makes up for my usual distaste in such a story.

The invocation of Circe and her descendants in this short tale finally helped me to make sense of the name of this short story – Bacon. The true cunning and wordplay of Harris actually comes to the fore, but it isn’t until the very last sentence that this wit is shown.

<- Hecate’s Golden EyeSignatures of the Dead ->

Image source: Goodreads