Tag Archives: Paranormal Fantasy

The Case of El Chupacabra by Kelley Armstrong

May 27, 2017Book ReviewDark Fantasy, Kelley Armstrong, Paranormal Fantasy, Strong Women, Tales of the Otherworld, Women of the Otherworldskyebjenner

Title: The Case of El Chupacabra
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #6.5
In: Tales of the Otherworld (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: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: If he’s responsible for this death, then it’s a matter for the council.

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Paige and Lucas pursue a murderer who may be a vampire.

There were many, many parts of this story that I loved. There was truly getting to know Kristoff’s eldest, and Savannah’s brother, Sean; discovering how Paige and Lucas obtain their own headquarters; and the discovery of a prejudice so deep and wrong (though aren’t they all) that it is almost impossible to stomach. But, mostly I just loved getting to know the character of Sean better. He is idealistic like Lucas, yet he continues to attempt to work within the system to promote a better morality within his own family.

There aren’t many LGBTQ characters in many of the books that I read. I think it’s mostly because there aren’t that many LGBTQ characters in comparison to strong male (and female leads). So, even though Sean isn’t a centre piece of the Women of the Otherworld stories, it was really nice to meet a character that faces the issues of coming out and being accepted every day of his life. I loved that Sean’s insecurities and inability to be accepted by the man who has been like a father figure, let alone the rest of his family are a great reminder as to the difficulties that many of the LGBTQ people face on a daily basis.

The prejudice that vampires face from sorcerers is exactly what all prejudices are to me. A mix of fear and misunderstandings. Fear of another’s power and the other. Luckily, the way in which this was combatted was the politic, responsible and grown response that you would expect – removing stigma, calmly explaining away misconceptions, and facing such blatant bigotry face-on.

<- Broken

No Humans Involved ->

Image source: Goodreads

Bargain by Kelley Armstrong

May 26, 2017Book ReviewDark Fantasy, Kelley Armstrong, Paranormal Fantasy, Strong Women, Women of the Otherworldskyebjenner

Title: Bargain
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #5.3
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: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: It had started a few months ago, when he’d run into trouble with a Cabal.

Xavier gets the “From Hell” letter theft job.

One thing that never made sense throughout Broken was why Xavier wanted Jack the Ripper’s Letter from Hell. He never got the object in the end, and he wasn’t in the least bit bothered by this. Yes, it was to be obtained for a third party, but still, for a half-demon character such as him, I honestly expected more of a response. Bargain helps to explain this discrepancy. And just how the entire job (and resulting tale) came about.

The bargain which Xavier attempts to make with Elena leads to calamity after calamity, but his initial need to contact her seems incredibly awkward and weirdly timed. Yet, his need to expand his contacts (and the creepily sexual way in which he views the female werewolf) make this action all the more plausible. His drive becomes more visceral, and it is easier to find the motives of such a slippery and convoluted character. One which is incredibly selfish and self-important.

<- Chaotic

Broken ->

Image source: Goodreads

Chaotic by Kelley Armstrong

May 10, 2017Book ReviewDark Fantasy, Dates From Hell, Kelley Armstrong, Otherworld Chills, Paranormal Fantasy, Strong Women, Women of the Otherworldskyebjenner

Title: Chaotic
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #5.2
In: Otherworld Chills (Kelley Armstrong) & Dates from Hell (Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong & Lori Handeland)
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: Novella
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: The fire.

Kelley Armstrong returns to the Otherworld with “Chaotic,” where a half-demon tabloid journalist’s boring date is saved…by a supernatural explosion? She’s off to save the day—if only her less-than-stellar date wouldn’t tag along! Luckily, the intriguing, infuriating, and just plain sexy werewolf/jewel thief Karl Marsten also appears.

I always wondered how Hope and Karl met each other – and, more importantly, why their relationship continued after their abnormal first meeting. Chaotic not only answered this question, but it also showed how Hope’s first forays into the supernatural world went. The intricate relationships between the characters of the Women of the Otherworld series is shown in Hope’s embroilment with the Cabals, the supernatural council, and ultimately, with the jewellery-thief werewolf.

Ultimately, we all want to find a place in the world that accepts us and a family of our own making. Basically, we just want somewhere where we belong. Hope’s desperation for this is compounded by her special skills, and it is this that makes her so easy to prey upon. Although in the beginning she is incredibly naïve and gullible, she is able to rectify her mistakes and admit where she was wrong. A trait that many people are lacking in.

As we grow up, we are constantly forced to reinvent ourselves, and Hope’s willingness to do so twice within this novella is a reminder of this. Since I’m going through a similar moment in my life, it was nice to see that a character with far heavier burdens than mine is able to roll with the punches and come out stronger than ever. Knowing that she really finds her pace (and happiness) in Personal Demon and again in Living with the Dead gives me hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

<- Adventurer

Bargain ->

Image source: HarperCollins

Adventurer by Kelley Armstrong

May 9, 2017Book ReviewDark Fantasy, Kelley Armstrong, Paranormal Fantasy, Strong Women, Women of the Otherworldskyebjenner

Title: Adventurer
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #5.1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Slow
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Kelley Armstrong online
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: A spark of fury, like a tiny firecracker exploding, and she fell silent.

Adventurer is a short story about “Silent Kenneth”, the shaman of the interracial councel.

Kenneth is such a peripheral character within the Women of the Otherworld series that it took me half of this short story to actually place him in the greater reality of this series. But, once I did, and, even beforehand, this short story was very enjoyable and a great insight into how the supernatural council works through daily issues. Kenneth’s place within this and how his powers as a shaman are able to assist help to provide a further look into the daily lives of these people who have something extra.

Kenneth’s spirit guide, or personal tinkerbell as he often thinks of her, is the complete opposite of the slow, easy going man who is telling the story. And his frustration at being saddled with such a spiritual partner is tangible from the very first word. Yet, the underhanded way in which he pursues his own adventure shows that he isn’t necessarily as different to his guide as he seems to believe. After all, he likes adventure too, he just doesn’t need her hovering over his astral shoulder to go on one.

<- Haunted

Chaotic ->

Image source: Goodreads

Wedding Bell Hell by Kelley Armstrong

May 8, 2017Book ReviewDark Fantasy, Kelley Armstrong, Paranormal Fantasy, Strong Women, Women of the Otherworldskyebjenner

Title: Wedding Bell Hell
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #4.5
In: Tales of the Otherworld (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Savannah was ahead of me, her ‘bridesmaid’ role having been upgraded to maid of honor.

Paige and Lucas preparing for their wedding.

Weddings are always difficult (at least, that’s what I would imagine), so add in the complications of the supernaturals and a pushy, interfering father… and it’s the potential for a wedding from hell. I genuinely feel for Paige and Lucas as they attempt to walk down the aisle. Savannah’s usual sass and sarcasm help to offset the frustrations that quickly trinkle through with the countdown to the wedding.

Although Benicio’s desire to get involved in the wedding is all-encompassing and immensely frustrating, it is not in and of itself unique. There are many horror stories of interfering in-laws attempting to make the Big Day their Big Day, so it is completely in character that Paige and Lucas are forced to suffer through this indecency too. It is a reminder that although Lucas is part of the supernatural mafia, he also has a father that does indeed love and care for him.

<- Industrial Magic

Haunted ->

Image source: Goodreads

Escape by Kelley Armstrong

May 7, 2017Book ReviewDark Fantasy, Kelley Armstrong, Paranormal Fantasy, Strong Women, Women of the Otherworldskyebjenner

Title: Escape
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #1.6
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Slow
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Kelley Armstrong online
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: If only I’d made Savannah go to school today…

Eve’s incarceration at the compound.

I’m still in two minds about Armstrong killing of Eve Levine so early in the Women of the Otherworld series. Yes, it was necessary for everything that Savannah (and even Paige and Lucas) to experience afterwards. And yes, even though she was killed, she still manages to partake in the adventures of the series. But, she was such a fun character alive, and, honestly, part of me misses that in my reading of the series – she becomes more two dimensional in her interactions with the others when she is a ghost. Mostly because she can’t actually interact with the majority of the series’ cast.

Having mentioned all of that, it was quite fulfilling to have a short story that detailed the events leading to Eve’s death. She is killed shortly before Elena’s kidnapping in Stolen, yet, the details are vague. After all, they are mostly mentioned as an aside to Savannah’s presence in the story and a source of pity for the young witch. And, after getting to know Eve better in Haunted, it was hard to imagine how foolhardy she must have been to be killed by a group of mercenary thugs. Which meant, that although I still mourn the killing off of such a fun character (even though it is completely necessary to the storyline), finding out how she made such a blunder left me with a feeling of acceptance about the entire ordeal… finally.

<- Ghosts

Stolen ->

Image source: Pinterest

Ghosts by Kelley Armstrong

May 7, 2017Book ReviewDark Fantasy, Kelley Armstrong, Paranormal Fantasy, Strong Women, Tales of the Otherworld, Women of the Otherworldskyebjenner

Title: Ghosts
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #1.5
In: Tales of the Otherworld (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Let me go with you.

Jeremy is having flashbacks from the past while Clay and Elena are in Toronto (event in Bitten).

Jeremy’s role in protecting Elena after she was turned is something of an enigma. He banished Clay, and helped Elena through the change. But the impacts of this are only ever seen through Elena’s eyes, years after the fact. Thus, it is immensely difficult to understand the impact that it had upon Jeremy – after all, he is a quiet and withdrawn character. One who Elena admires and adores, but is often confused by. Ghosts helps to give insight into his thoughts and feelings on Elena’s turning, and the important place which she gains in his heart.

Ghosts is a very reflexive piece that takes place in the middle of Bitten. Although it takes place after Elena and Clay travel back to Toronto, he flashes back and forth between that decision and the one to banish Clay. The pain of Elena’s change and her vulnerability at the fact act as depressing counterpoints to an already difficult situation. As does Jeremy’s constant insecurity that he is making the right decision. That he made the right decision in the past, as he reflects upon the ghosts of his house.

<- Bitten

Escape ->

Image source: Goodreads

Territorial by Kelley Armstrong

May 6, 2017Book ReviewDark Fantasy, Kelley Armstrong, Paranormal Fantasy, Strong Women, Women of the Otherworldskyebjenner

Title: Territorial
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #0.13
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Slow
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Kelley Armstrong online
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: “We could use a little female companionship.”

Karl Marsten before the events of Bitten.

Having met Karl and realised more about his character, it is hard to align this image with the man who causes so much havoc in Bitten. However, his initial meeting with Daniel Santos in Territorial and his feelings of abandonment and injustice finally help to highlight his motives. It also explains some of his fascination with Elena – although it is not romantic, there is certainly a feeling of appeal in his relations with the only female werewolf. Although, most of this is simply due to selfish requirements.

I really enjoyed this glimpse into Karl’s selfish nature before he met (and fell for) Hope. His outlook on life and his drivers for every single interaction he has have one goal – to further his own ends. Whether this is to gain his own territory, or find more income, he doesn’t speak with, or interact with anyone unless it is somehow beneficial.

<- Truth and Consequences

Bitten ->

Image source: Goodreads

Grave Matters by Lauren M. Roy

April 27, 2017Book ReviewEasy Reading, Lauren M. Roy, Night Owls, Paranormal Fantasy, Vampiresskyebjenner

Title: Grave Matters
Author: Lauren M. Roy
Series: Night Owls #2
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace fantasy
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: They heard them before they saw them, the thunk, sssss of shoveling, the scrape of metal on wood.

Night Owls bookstore always keeps a light on and evil creatures out. But even its supernatural staff isn’t prepared for the dead to come back to life…

Elly grew up training to kill things that go bump in the night, so she’s still getting used to working alongside them. While she’s learned to trust the eclectic group of vampires, Renfields, and succubi at Night Owls bookstore, her new job guarding Boston’s most powerful vampire has her on edge – especially when she realizes something strange is going on with her employer, something deadlier than usual…

Cavale isn’t thrilled that his sister works for vampires, but he’s determined to repair their relationship, and that means trusting her choices – until Elly’s job lands all of the Night Owls crew in deep trouble with a vengeful necromancer. And even their collective paranormal skills might not be enough to keep them from becoming part of the necromancer’s undead army…

I honestly found this book incredibly difficult to get into. I even started reading it three times before I decided to bite the bullet, get over those first, not-so-attention-grabbing few chapters, and finish the book. Having said that, once the storyline got going, I did really want to find out how it all ended. After all, there is a psychotic necromancer running around Edgewood. But, it’s probably not a book (or even a series) that I am likely to pick up again anytime soon. Yet, it’s also not one that I am going to remove from my bookshelf.

My favourite aspect of this book is the relationships between the core characters. The care and love they have for one another is palpable as is the understanding that they show for one another’s eccentricities. Elly and Justin’s attraction to each other is the epitome of this – they see exactly what each other are, but still want to be a part of their relative lives.

There isn’t much I can say about this book, it wasn’t badly written, and the characters and setting were wonderful. Yet, there was something missing in the storyline that stopped it from being an alright read to something I will pick up again and again and again.

<- Night Owls Review

More Lauren M. Roy reviews ->

Image source: Lauren M. Roy

Night Owls by Lauren M. Roy

April 26, 2017Book ReviewEasy Reading, Lauren M. Roy, Night Owls, Paranormal Fantasy, Vampiresskyebjenner

Title: Night Owls
Author: Lauren M. Roy
Series: Night Owls #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace fantasy
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: And they’d left the Clearwaters to die.

Night Owls bookstore is the one spot on campus open late enough to help out even the most practiced slacker. The employees’ penchant for fighting the evil creatures of the night is just a perk…

Valerie McTeague’s business model is simple: provide the students of Edgewood College with a late-night study haven and stay as far away as possible from the underworld conflicts of her vampire breathen. She’s experienced that life, and the price she paid was far too high for her to ever want to return.

Elly Garrett hasn’t known any life except that of fighting the supernatural beings known as Creeps or Jackals. But she always had her mentor and foster father by her side – until he gave his life protecting a book that the Creeps desperately wanted to get their claws on.

When the book gets stashed at Night Owls for safekeeping, those Val holds nearest and dearest are put in mortal peril. Now Val and Elly will have to team up, along with a mismatched crew of humans, vampires, and lesbian succubi, to stop the Jackals from obtaining the book and unleashing unnamed horrors…

This is a book about a book in a bookstore, which I just love saying, and writing. The poetry of such a story is kind of beautiful, and the setting of a college book store is gorgeous. Being involved in campus life can have many rewards when studying, but the idea of being able to go into a warm and secluded book store at all hours to buy, study and peruse different books is the stuff that dreams are made of. I’ve lost count of the amount of times that I have finished a book late at night, and just wished that I could run down to the shops to buy the next in the series.

One of my favourite things about this book (other than the bookstore) is that it is a simple, easy read. The pace is just fast enough to keep you engaged, but not so intense that putting the book down to do something more responsible is impossible. Although the story leaves more for future stories, there is a happy ending at the end of the novel.

Family is a great topic in novels, literacy and stories – it is something that everyone can relate to and sympathise with. Roy reminds us that family is sometimes the people we choose, not those that we are born to within Night Owls.

<- More Lauren M. Roy reviews

Grave Matters Review ->

Earth and Skye

The ramblings of a bibliophile.

Tag Archives: Paranormal Fantasy

The Case of El Chupacabra by Kelley Armstrong

Bargain by Kelley Armstrong

Chaotic by Kelley Armstrong

Adventurer by Kelley Armstrong

Wedding Bell Hell by Kelley Armstrong

Escape by Kelley Armstrong

Ghosts by Kelley Armstrong

Territorial by Kelley Armstrong

Grave Matters by Lauren M. Roy

Image source: Lauren M. Roy

Night Owls by Lauren M. Roy

Image source: Goodreads