Tag Archives: Paranormal Fantasy

A Vampire’s Christmas Carol by Cynthia Eden

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: A Vampire’s Christmas Carol
Author: Cynthia Eden
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

I finally read Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol within the last few years. It was definitely one of those classics that I absolutely loved. So, I was honestly a little leery about reading this and how Eden’s reimagination of this beloved classic would go. And, honestly, it was brilliant. I loved it and look forward to adding this to my reread pile!

As anyone who knows the original story knows, the Scrooge is visited by three angels to show him the Christmases of his past, present and future. I love that all three of these angels are actually characters from the life of the vampire. And, that each of these Christmases visited are actually based around the love of his life. It gives a more romantic / love story slant to the classic. Which, admittedly had pretty much no love story, just hints of a past one. But I digress…

Ultimately towards the end of this story, you find out that there is a whole lot of hope for the vampire. And that the tragic love story that he has built up in his mind might not be quite as true as he believes. I love that there are sacrifices and tragedies throughout, but it is the ultimate sacrifice made in love that will melt your heart. And also that keeps this story within that same vein of redemption as the original Christmas Carol.

I absolutely adored this novella. It was a fun and slightly dark Christmas story. One that was a wonderful reimagining of one of my favourite Christmas classics. Definitely a testament to the enjoyment I get out of reading Eden’s work.

<- Until DeathWaiting for Christmas ->

Image source: Goodreads

Love Hurts by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Love Hurts
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Wicked Lovely #5.1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel, Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

After the revelations in Cold Iron Heart, I did kind of need to know what was going to happen next. I mean, there was a lot of important things in the past that were revealed. And it changed a whole lot of my thoughts on the series as a whole. This short story pretty much helped to put a lot of those realisations and revelations to rest. Thank goodness. Like I said, I really needed it.

Irial, Niall and Leslie together, although not quite the outcome I expected, works really well. I’m not normally into a triad of lovers, and it is definitely not traditional, but somehow these three make it really sweet. Still not what I’d like, but I do love them as a “couple”. The fact that both Leslie and Niall are able to help Irial get through the revelations in this just helped to cement them as a great couple in my mind.

I got a taste of it in Cold Iron Heart that Irial loves completely and truly. This helped to drive home just how much he cares and loves. How he will literally destroy the world for his love. But, also how this is a weakness and how easily he can be hurt by this. I really hope that that love is rewarded after the closing of this short story, his tale throughout this was a little bit tragic if I’m being honest.

Love Hurts is a pretty true title, but it is also a great and engaging short story. It almost operates as an epilogue for Cold Iron Heart, and opens the Wicked Lovely world up to so much more turmoil in the future…

<- Darkest MercySummer Bound ->

Image source: Amazon

Cold Iron Heart by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Cold Iron Heart
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Wicked Lovely #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I have two of the main books left in the Wicked Lovely series, but I decided that I wanted to read this ‘prequel’ just for a bit of a change of pace. And it was pretty damn good. Set a few generations before the activities in Wicked Lovely, this was a pretty great and intense book. I’d actually thought that it would give a bit more insight into the Niall and Irial relationship, but instead, there were numerous connections to Aislynn and the Summer King’s curse. A whole heap of surprises that I honestly wasn’t expecting. And ones that I, of course, loved.

Thelma is such a brilliant lead. She’s driven to find her own life and happily ever after, in a time and city that really isn’t ready to permit her to have that. In fact, her need to prove herself and drive herself to find a better reality is something that made me fall in love with her immediately. That, and when she discovers that her future is at a crossroads, she chooses what will make her happy and completely goes against convention. It kind of makes me sad that she only gets this one book and one story.

Irial has been a bit of a different character to feel connected to throughout this series. On the one hand, he is incredibly loving and caring. And you really like him. But, as with all morally grey characters, he has a whole side that is seriously dark. Plus, the selfishness with which he acts is sometimes a little difficult to stomach. There was still a lot of that unsurety (for me) throughout this story. But, understanding how strongly he loves helped to break through some of that barrier. I wonder how I’ll view him in the next Wicked Lovely books that I read…

A great story set in 1800s New Orleans – probably one of the only American places that sounds even remotely interesting to visit to me… it’s got this great feeling of history and power, with all of the modern trappings of independence and free will. I absolutely adored this story, and not only did it help to set up the rest of the series really well, it’s given me a whole heap of other hints and clues I’ll love looking for in the next reread.

<- More Melissa MarrWicked Lovely ->

Image source: Amazon

Champagne & Commitments by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Champagne & Commitments
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Faery Bargains #2.6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I’ve been wondering how Gen and Eli were going to get married for a little while now. I mean, they are ‘married’ in the paranormal sense at this point in the series. But, how was all the pomp and circumstance going to happen? Plus, because this is a wonderful series, there was going to have to be some kind of drama and action that accompanied the nuptials. Marr didn’t disappoint on either front for this novella.

I love that one of the big character challenges throughout this story was Gen trying to come to terms with and deal with her new celebrity. I can’t imagining having that many people intruding on my life. And I don’t have secrets and paranormal abilities to hide! She does such a fantastic job of patience throughout this though, which just made me love her all that much more.

Gen’s dealings with the tourists are kind of… familiar to me. Alright, I don’t have anywhere near the same issues and such. But, I do live in a tourist region, and some days I have unbelievable frustration at their intrusion and idiocy. It was nice to see that this seems to be a bit of a universal thing in tourist regions – appreciation for their visiting and such. But also sheer scream into a pillow level of frustration at how logic seems to go out the window when people are on vacation.

Champagne and Commitments is setting up the next book in this series wonderfully. Particularly as Allie finally finds out about her unwitting, unknowing courtship. And, since Allie is kind of a spitfire, albeit a ditsy one, I can’t wait to see what hell she brings down on the presumptuous fool’s head.

<- Daiquiris & DaggersThe Hexed & the Hunted ->

Image source: Amazon

The Kiss & The Killer by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Kiss & The Killer
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Faery Bargains #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I absolutely loved this novel – I mean, I knew that Eli and Gen would end up married in this (because I read Daiquiris & Daggers before reading this). But it was still fun getting there – and finding out just how they were “tricked” into being accidentally married. Plus, the rest of the story line and battles (literally) that Gen faced were completely unexpected. I love the shenanigans the pair get themselves into, and how throughout it all, Gen is just trying to come into hare own powers and understanding of self.

Grandmother Beatrice is the truly terrifying, but somehow nurturing grandmother that I kind of want. Alright, maybe not an undead who likes to kill people. But the protective instincts? Love it. Gen getting to know her grandmother throughout this was brilliant. Plus, it hints at a whole new set of reveals to come. I can’t wait to learn more about Gen’s weird genetic makeup, and the different ways that her grandmother’s history and current existence are going to influence her.

I’m always a big fan of relationships in which both characters are equal partnerships – and Eli and Gen are definitely this. I love that Eli is quite content to act as Gen’s backup. Quite happy to leave Gen to do her thing, which, in the case of this story is Gen trying to figure out how to navigate her new role with the police. And try to figure out who is attempting to kill her. All of which lead to page turning action that I couldn’t put aside.

Amongst all of the other drama that Gen faces is the fact that she accidentally raises a whole bunch of the dead. One of whom is… not quite what you want – a power of some kind who just doesn’t want to go back to the grave. It’s kind of hard to see how Izzy is going to fit into the storyline. But, he definitely gives me some incredibly creepy vibes. Ones that make me think he’s going to be a whole lot more dangerous than he seems to begin with…

<- Blood Martinis & MistletoeDaiquiris & Daggers ->

Image source: Amazon

Hexes and Vexes by Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Hexes and Vexes
Author: Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape
Series: Amethyst’s Wand Shop Mysteries #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I knew that I was going to enjoy this novel, since I enjoyed Glass and Sass so damn much. Hexes and Vexes didn’t disappoint. Amy finally gets her chance to consult with the PPD, and I can see her relationship with Ambrose being one that I can really get behind. He seems to be mildly entertained by Amy’s insanity. I love when there is a character who is certifiably insane and entertaining, who is partnered with someone a little bit more straightlaced and incredibly bemused by their behaviour.

Greenwood and Tape are able to create a really cool world in this urban fantasy. Some of the ideas of the CWC and wand creating were introduced in Glass and Sass. But, there is far more world building and construction in Hexes and Vexes. I really enjoyed how you find out more about witches and wand making alongside Ambrose as both Amy and Ambrose hunt to find the killer. And with each reveal, it feels like there is a whole lot more complex thoughts and world building going on behind the scenes. Just how I like my urban fantasies.

Although what strikes me most, and I love most about this are the world building and the sassiness of Amy. I also loved trying to figure out the why and the how of the murder. I mean, this is supposed to be a mystery series, and it does fit the build there. It was definitely difficult to figure out the why and the how of the murder if I’m being honest. But, that may be due to the fact that it really didn’t take centre stage of the story – it was used as a plot device, but I found the characterization and world building were more the central aspect of the story.

Hexes and Vexes is a fun and simple urban fantasy. There is the aspect of danger and mayhem in the murder, but it doesn’t take a major centre point. I love that although there are some challenges to the relationship building between Amy and Ambrose, it isn’t overly contentious. Not the most fast-paced of urban fantasies and stories that I’ve read, but sometimes it’s nice to slow down and just enjoy.

<- Glass and SassWitches and Stitches ->

Image source: Mighty Ape

Glass and Sass by Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Glass and Sass
Author: Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape
Series: Amethyst’s Wand Shop Mysteries #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

As a prequel novella / introduction to an urban fantasy series, this is great. It was also a fantastic way for me to get to know two new authors. Who I’ve now flooded my TBR with… Glass and Sass introduces a new world and some new characters. Ones that I can’t wait to get to know better!

I like the idea of a centre for wand control. Alright, I don’t necessarily love the bureaucracy, who does? But I did love how it creates this wonderful urban fantasy world. Where witches and the paranormal exist. But, they must practice their craft under strict regulations. It might not be a romanticised version of a fantasy world, but the bureaucracy makes a much more relatable one.

One thing I don’t love about this novella is the title. It’s obvious that Glass and Sass is supposed to rhyme. But, since I’m Australian, my accent means that it doesn’t. And it bothers me quite a bit. But, honestly, I loved this novella. I’m just a bit of a weirdo when it comes to titles that would otherwise be kind of brilliant. Now I can’t wait to get into this series for real and enjoy getting to know Amethyst a whole lot better.

<- More Laura GreenwoodHexes and Vexes ->

Image source: eBay

Wish by Jenni Balch

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: Wish
Author: Jenni Balch
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Space, Young adult
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

This short story is a bit of a twist on the whole “genie in the lamp” kind of story. It has a lot of the same principals, but there is a bit more flexibility and variety to it. That, and the guy in the lamp somehow ends up in space trying to grant a wish that I just wasn’t expecting.

I loved the nature of Adriadne’s wish. I mean, I was expecting something that was either going to be catastrophic for the space ship, seriously selfish or typically immature. Instead, it was something that I could completely understand and get on board with. Plus, it is not something that impacts anyone else. Plus, the way that Balch reveals her wish and also manages to world build at the same time… freaking brilliant.

At the end of this story, instead of going back into the lamp and waiting for the next wish, the ‘genie’ decides to stick around. My romantic heart likes to think that they manage to make a great relationship (friendship or otherwise) out of this arrangement. One that helps them stand the travels through space… but that could just be my own wishful thinking and romantic nature. Regardless, that’s how I’m imagining the ending of this story…after the current ending that is.

<- Dream and DareThe Weight ->

Image source: Goodreads

Why Light? by Tanith Lee

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for teeth ellen datlow terri windling book cover

Title: Why Light?
Author: Tanith Lee
In: Teeth: Vampire Tales (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Harper
Year: 2011

Thoughts

Why Light? is the short story that rounds out the Teeth collection. And it was kind of a nice way to end out this anthology if vampire stories. It was surprisingly sweet and cute. Not even remotely what I expected from the author and / or the start of the story.

I really like the idea of ‘sun kissed’ vampires and ‘healing’ vampires. It was a little less gothic and aggressive than I was expecting, which was kind of a nice change of pace. Plus, the idea of these two vampire types joining together was kind of fantastic. I’d read more about this in the future.

Although this story didn’t actually end with a ‘happy ending’, there were lots of hints to it. Because I’m an optimist and a romantic, I choose to believe that there was a happily ever after in the books for these two… even if they’re both taking a huge leap of faith and trust into the unknown.

<- My GenerationTroll’s Eye View ->

Image source: HarperCollins

Slice of Life by Lucius Shepard

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for teeth ellen datlow terri windling book cover

Title: Slice of Life
Author: Lucius Shepard
In: Teeth: Vampire Tales (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Harper
Year: 2011

Thoughts

This short story jumps around a little bit in timeliness and apace, but it gives this constant sense of a life without hope. Its kind of depressing and sad to read at times. But also enjoyable – who needs happy stories ALL the time?

I like that the ending of this tale is open and full of potential for a future. It might be a bit vague as to which / what future is likely to be chosen, there is still something on the horizon for the lead character.

Louise / Ellen is definitely a character who is going to sink or swim on her own. The way she is able to stand on her own feet and manipulate others makes me think that there’s going to be a lucrative future for her. But still… there is a naivety to her actions that makes me want to know how she goes on her own…

<- The Perfect Dinner PartyMy Generation ->

Image source: HarperCollins