Tag Archives: Paranormal Fantasy

There Will Be Demons by Lori Handeland

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
hex-appeal

Title: There Will be Demons
Author: Lori Handeland
Series: Phoenix Chronicles #0.6
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: He should be frozen like a gargoyle.

Synopsis

She thinks that she’s saving him from the demons, but could there be more to the story?

Thoughts

I really don’t have many words to describe this short story. Basically, I loved it, but at the same time, I was a little mad at the end of the story. It felt like a good beginning of a series, but also another tale about a strong, independent woman losing her identity for the sake of a man – not something that I am a huge fan of in the least. However, the writing and slow filtering of information that Handeland uses is a perfect counterbalance to create an enjoyable storyline that would probably otherwise have really, really, really annoyed me.

The use of the Nephilim, Grigori and Fae really drew me into the world created in There Will Be Demons. Handeland’s explanation of the different groups displayed a well-thought out reality which she has used to create a set of multi-dimensional characters. The obvious secrets that both Summer and Jimmy hold throughout the tale only built upon this world to leave me turning the page back and forth, looking for more of the story. Not all of their secrets are revealed, and it was both frustrating and disappointing to end this tale.

<- In the BeginningAny Given Doomsday ->

Image source: Succubus

How Do You Feel? by Simon R. Green

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

hex-appealTitle: How Do You Feel?
Author: Simon R. Green
Series: Nightside Companion
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Won’t that be nice?

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Synopsis

An interesting short story about Green’s Dead Boy and how he lives his life.

Thoughts

How Do You Feel? was a completely unexpected short story – it was quite dark, with a twisted and unexpected strain of humour throughout it. The completely unforeseeable love story that rounded it out just polished it off to make me want to read the rest of the Nightside series. The use of a main character whose name is Dead Boy should have given me a hint to what kind of story I was in for though.

There is always a question about what happens after death, after all, most people don’t want to believe that this life is all that there is. And the idea of what happens when a life is cut too short with little or no mercy is a far more tantalising theoretical question. In creating a character that exists almost solely for revenge, Green approaches this question from a unique angle. Not only in addressing what happens after death and the lingering of souls, but how a thirst for revenge and an unyielding anger can destroy a life (and afterlife).

<- Outside the Box Review There Will be Demons Review ->
Image source: Succubus

The Girl With No Name by Chris Marie Green

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Girl With No NameTitle: The Girl With No Name
Author: Chris Marie Green
Series: Vampire Babylon #6.4
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: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Roc
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: At first, he smile welcomed me.

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Synopsis

Chris Marie Green brings you an urban fantasy novelette that’s full of paranormal thrills and exhilarating action!

A young woman wakes up in a strange hotel room in New Orleans with no memory of who she is, where she’s been, or what she’s doing there. All she has are a pair of boots that she can’t seem to take off. As she takes steps to uncover her identity, she realizes that she might’ve stolen the shoes, and the bad-boy psychic she’s enlisted could be luring her into the clutches of a powerful, very ticked-off backwoods sorceress who wants them back….

Thoughts

A lot of stories rely on a character that is completely removed from their familial life. Whether it’s an orphan, someone who has been removed from their clan, or they’ve watched everything around them die and go up in flames, most good characters have nothing they can return to in their past. They either have nothing to lose, or everything. Lily in The Girl with No Name takes this one step further. This story is a literal journey of self-discovery – a girl who is unable to remember her own name, let alone her past.

The nature magic employed in this short story is phenomenal – it combines the giving of mother earth with the need for payment. After all, nothing is free. This unique combination of healing, giving and taking payment all at the same time led to a twist that I didn’t expect. Always something nice in a short story, I love when you are surprised by a plot, and I’m incredibly eager to see what this author can do to a full-length novel.

<- Stolen Goods Review The Devil’s Left Boot Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Hecate’s Golden Eye by P.N. Elrod

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
strange-brew

Title: Hecate’s Golden Eye
Author: P.N. Elrod
Series: Vampire Files #11.5
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: It had a hell of a lot more force than a bare fist.

Synopsis

Sometimes you need to steal something to return it to its rightful owners…

Thoughts

I didn’t really know what to think about this story – I liked the idea of a moral private investigator with a vampire sidekick, but some of the suave present in past stories by P.N. Elrod is missing from this short tale. However, the voice of the narrative helped to bring me back to the story when I wasn’t entirely sure it was what I was in the mood for. The tone of the tale had just the right balance of cheerful self-deprecation and intrigue to keep me interested in the chief protagonist and his quick journey into re-stealing a gem for its rightful owner.

The idea of multiple kinds of retribution to the “bad guys” throughout this story left me with a warm feeling at the end of the tale. From the long con to out and out thievery, the selfishness of those perpetuating the crimes onto others had consequences which left me smiling at the end of the tale. It’s always nice when the good guys win, and the bad guys are punished in some way, shape or form.

<- Vegas OddsBacon ->

Image source: Goodreads

Snow Job by Carole Nelson Douglas

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

hex-appealTitle: Snow Job
Author: Carole Nelson Douglas
Series: Delilah Street, Paranormal Investigator #5.1
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Lilith was amping up the vibration and sound system into heart-attack mode.

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Synopsis

I love this repetition of the tale of Adam, Eve and Lilith with a much more modern spin on it.

Thoughts

The use of the tale of Adam, Eve and Lilith was a unique way to approach of tale of paranormal fantasy. A lot of mythologies and beliefs seem to inform fantasy stories, but very few utilise the Christian faith and stories to do so. The use of Lilith, and even the name Delilah have its roots in Christianity and the use of the two sisters’ names in their characterisation was a great reminder of the importance in naming one’s characters.

The premises in this story were fantastic, and the paranormal reality in which Delilah negotiates her reality a brilliant multifaceted setting. However, having not read the rest of the series, it was a little difficult to really immerse myself in the story.

<- Holly’s Balm Review Outside the Box Review ->
Image source: Succubus

The Parlor by Lucienne Diver

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Overview

Kicking ItTitle: The Parlor
Author: Lucienne Diver
Series: The Latter-Day Olympians #3.5
In: Kicking It (Faith Hunter & Kalayna Price)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Roc
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: I’d find out soon enough.

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Synopsis

Tori takes what she thinks is going to be a simple job, and runs up against another member of the Olympian family.

Thoughts

I love to read about mythologies reimagined for the modern day, and this was an excellent way in which it was done. Where Riordan takes Greek mythology and spins it so that teenagers have a place in the world, Diver gives the tales of Olympus a much more adult and sensual twist. A tale of Apollo, Arachne and gladiators, there really isn’t much more that you could ask for in a short story inspired by the Gods of Olympus.

There were a lot of great things in this story, and I loved the heroine, she was tough, able to say no to a God, and wanted to do the good thing. However, the part of this story that I can’t get out of my head is the silver, reflective hot pants and knee-high boot get up that Tori is forced to wear when she goes undercover. Reflective hot pants. A thought to leave you with for the day.

<- Crazy in the Blood Review Rise of the Blood Review ->
Image source: Penguin

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 ->

Image source: Goodreads

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 ->

Image source: Ofearna