Tag Archives: Paranormal Fantasy

Bigfoot on Campus by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

hex-appealTitle: Bigfoot on Campus
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #11.9, Bigfoot Trilogy #3
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: We walked in silence for several moments, until Connie finally said, “He’s not an angry person.

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Synopsis

Bigfoot on Campus is a short story in The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. It is set between Turn Coat and Changes. It was originally published in Hex Appeal, and later included in Working for Bigfoot.

Thoughts

I don’t know if it’s because I’m in University, or if there is something about the potential that it represents, but any story set here tends to grab my attention. This, combined with the young love between Connie and Irwin is such a nice reminder of the potential of these young years of discovery. This was also my first introduction into the Dresden Files and the writings of Jim Butcher, and a very welcome one at that.

The flicking between two time periods in a story can sometimes be a little clunky and hard to follow in short stories. However, Butcher did this brilliantly – the tone and positioning of Dresden was different enough that the transition was beautifully obvious. The cops’ blatant disbelief in all of the things that go bump in the night helped to further this contrast. The tale is told in a completely believable and relatable way, with a slightly dubious man querying everything that he was told.

The explanation of Bigfoot and the reasons why people never see such a creature that is strongly believed in today made this story seem all the more realistic. It’s always nice when the fantastical nature of mythologies can be married with our modern life to create an almost believable literary reality.

<- Retribution Clause Review Holly’s Balm Review ->
Image source: Succubus

Last Call by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

strange-brewTitle: Last Call
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #10.6
In: Side Jobs (Jim Butcher) & Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: “You look like hell.”

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Synopsis

Last Call is a short story in The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. It is set between Small Favor and Turn Coat. It was originally published in Strange Brew, and later included in the anthology Side Jobs.

Thoughts

I loved the humour and wit in this short story – the shenanigans and difficulties of Dresden’s journey all result from his desire for a drink. Something which he constantly laments as he pursues the cause of violence. The dry humour in the narrator’s (Dresden’s) voice made this short story flash by as he runs after felons in pursuit of justice, and a nice, cold drink. It is this sass and obvious enjoyment throughout the tale that makes it impossible to put down and ignore.

Butcher combines fantasy, humour and crime into his stories which create a textured and intimate reality. The layering upon our everyday concerns – we all have a favourite place to eat and drink, a partner that is constantly challenging and perplexing us – which helps to progress the story in such a vivid and engaging way. The very humanity that is placed within an inhumane society and fantasy world is what helps to bring this tale to the forefront.

<- Seeing Eye Review Vegas Odds Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Hunting Ground

Title: Hunting Ground
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Alpha & Omega #2, Mercy-verse #9
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace fantasy
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: I’ll scare her.

Synopsis

Anna Latham didn’t know how complicated life could be until she became a werewolf. And until she was mated to Charles Cornick, the son – and enforcer – of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolves, she didn’t know how dangerous it could be, either…

Anna and Charles have just been enlisted to attend a summit to present Bran’s controversial proposition: that the wolves should finally reveal themselves to humans. But the most feared Alpha in Europe is dead set against the plan – and it seems like someone else might be, too. When Anna is attacked by vampires using pack magic, the kind of power only werewolves should be able to draw on, Charles and Anna must combine their talents to hunt down whoever is behind it all – or risk losing everything…

Thoughts

Hunting Ground is a great look into how Anna’s new role in life and her new marriage have a much greater effect on her life. Where Cry Wolf focused on Anna and Charles’ relationship and her own insecurities, this story brings her out into the wider world of the werewolves. It also helps to highlight the difficulties of ‘coming out’. Although in this context, it is the werewolves coming out to the world, many of the difficulties in coming out with one’s sexuality and the feelings that are explored are also relevant – there is an underlying fear of persecution balanced by the need to remove the threat of blackmail from their lives.

Although this story primarily focuses on the werewolves coming out to society, and Anna’s first foray into the greater reality of werewolf life, it also highlights the difficulties that Charles has in his position as his father’s enforcer. Not only does he have to keep everyone and everything at arm’s length in case he must one day kill them, but he is also unable to act as anything but an unfeeling, robotic killing machine. As his personality is revealed through Anna’s love and eyes, it is blatantly obvious that this unfeeling, unwilling persona is not whom he truly is. This rendering of his spirit into two separate identities is incredibly difficult, and hints at a great inner pain that Anna is only just beginning to address.

The role of an Omega is also further expanded upon in Hunting Ground. The idea is a fantastic one, and it resonates, we all know someone that is somehow protective, but people feel the need to protect them. That one person who seems to attract every man and his dog, and be told their life stories. The personification of this within werewolf society is something of an anomaly that is little understood, a bit like those who fit this description in real life. Yet, the brief understanding that Anna has gained and her willingness to discover her own powers and inner strength is a wonderful journey that she takes you on as she confronts deadly fae, and The Beast.

<- Cry WolfFair Game ->

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Recruit by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Recruit

Title: Recruit
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #9.7
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: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: When it comes to man-eaters, Pack Law is clear.

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Synopsis

This was a very short story written as an extra for Frostbitten.
It takes place before the book begins, and launched the investigation that eventually led Elena and Clay to Alaska.

Thoughts

Recruit touches on a couple of issues for the werewolf pack. Firstly, they need to find new recruits without telegraphing their vulnerability to those who wish them ill. Secondly, when they do find someone who wishes to join them, the need to assess their suitability becomes increasingly difficult. Roy’s attempted blackmail and slightly skewed way in which he attempts to ingratiate himself with the pack is a great way to remind us of this.

Clay and Elena’s ability to roust and take control of the situation in which they find themselves is a great reminder of the fact that these two are some of the toughest (and scariest) supernaturals in the entire Women of the Otherworld series. Their protectiveness and willingness to fight for what is theirs stops them from crossing the line between crazy thugs to protective good guys.

<- CheckmateFrostbitten ->

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Checkmate by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Checkmate

Title: Checkmate
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #9.6
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: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Clay fell in behind, letting my better nose take the lead.

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Synopsis

In Frostbitten, Elena mentions tracking a killer in Winnipeg. This is that story.

Thoughts

Elena and Clay are the dream team of hunting and justice. Clay is ruthless and protective in a way that excludes all other emotions. Elena on the other hand can be a little too protective of her family, yet is quick to ask for evidence before execution. Combined, they make a great team, and this short story was a way in which to show this without the influence of the rest of the pack.

The synchronicity with which Elena and Clay are able to finally act (after many, many fights and years of rebellion) can truly be felt in Checkmate. The ways in which the two are able to complement each other is like a chess game, they constantly play games with their prey and one another. I love this final feeling of peace between the two – they have finally found their speed, and are able to function as a truly terrifying team.

<- Lucifer’s DaughterRecruit ->

Image source: Ofearna

Lucifer’s Daughter by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
otherworld-nights

Title: Lucifer’s Daughter
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #9.5
In: Otherworld Nights (Kelley Armstrong) & Blood Lite II: Overbite (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: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Hot droplets spattered my face.

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Synopsis

Revisit Hope and Karl as Hope is forced to deal with her father’s minions in her positions as Lucifer’s Daughter.

Thoughts

Hope and Karl are such a unique couple (although the thing that I love about the Women of the Otherworld series is that all of the couples are incredibly unique). At the conclusion of Living with the Dead, Karl chooses to leave Hope to her own devices. To allow her to learn the control she needs over her own powers, and abilities. So, revisiting them after they have been united was a really enjoyable way to spend some time.

Hope’s existence as Lucifer’s daughter is also further investigated throughout this short story. The prestige of this position, and the impact it can have on other demons is such an interesting contrast to the ritzy, glamorous world into which Hope was born. I love the contrast between her two worlds and the way that she is able to (almost) effortlessly glide between. And the completely smooth way in which Karl is able to join her in both realities shows what a great match they are. And that for everyone, there are multiple facets of their personality that can be hidden under layer upon layer of personnas.

<- Learning CurveCheckmate ->

Image source: Goodreads

Learning Curve by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Evolve

Title: Learning Curve
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #9.4
In: Evolve (Nancy Kilpatrick)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: I waited.

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Synopsis

Zoe teaches a professor not to play with the occult unless he is prepared to deal with the consequences.

Thoughts

Every time I read a short story featuring Zoe Tanaka, I fall a little more in love with her. Her unique outlook and career as a vampire was certainly fascinating in Broken, but it isn’t until you get the privilege of knowing her more that the enigma that is Zoe is truly revealed. Unlike initial impressions (mostly by Elena), Zoe isn’t a weak, scared pushover, she is exactly the opposite. And her ability to manipulate a situation to suit herself, without resorting to violence is a great draw in for her character and the storyline.

I love the idea that, although Zoe is escaping a stalker, the entire story is about teaching the next generation of supernaturals. Her sass and humour at such a task is irreplaceable. But, it is ultimately her willingness to teach others, instead of taking revenge or feeling bitter at her situation that makes me love her even more.

<- AngelicLucifer’s Daughter ->

Image source: Goodreads

Angelic by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Angelic

Title: Angelic
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #9.3
In: Otherworld Secrets (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: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Another example of the language for my research?

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Synopsis

As a half-demon master of the dark arts, Eve Levine isn’t what anyone would call angelic. That’s exactly why the Fates chose her for the job. She’s their secret weapon against the forces of evil. However after five years, Eve is tired of being the designated rebel of the angel corps, expected to break the rules, then penalized for it. When the leaderless djinn stage an uprising, Eve sees the perfect chance to get herself fired. As she plunges deeper into the demon world, though, she realizes she’s in danger of losing a lot more than her job.

Thoughts

Every time I read a new Eve story, I fall a little more in love with her character. Although at the beginning she seems like nothing more than a Black Witch, the more her journey is revealed, the more the cracks in this façade appear. She is nothing like what she originally appeared to be in Stolen, and Angelic just brings her further from the image that is quickly built up by others’ descriptions.

As with all double standards, Eve is constantly both rewarded and penalised for her choices in life. Even in death. Although this chafes, it also helps to liberate her from certain expectations (and punish her at the same time). These juxtapositions between her acceptance and dismissal by the Fates, and even the other angels are an interesting reminder of the double standards that often occur in our own lives. We can be both stroked and slapped for doing exactly the same thing, sometimes even by the same people. It is impossible to please everyone, but it is even more difficult when someone’s preconceptions about who and what you are colour everything you do. If someone thinks that you are a bad sort, then no matter what you do, they will still view your good acts through a negative light.

Although Eve primarily deals with these double standards throughout Angelic, she also is forced to concede to her feelings about her role in the afterlife. Being an angel comes with a variety of responsibilities and perks – but, in Angelic, Eve must decide what she really wants in life. Or in this case, the afterlife.

<- Zen and the Art of VampirismLearning Curve ->

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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 ->

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