Tag Archives: Paranormal Fantasy

History by Ellen Kushner

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

Title: History
Author: Ellen Kushner
In: Teeth: Vampire Tales (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Harper
Year: 2011

Thoughts

There are a lot of books on my shelves that have some kind of age gap. But, the age gap in this story is definitely a whole lot bigger. Probably because it’s between a college girl and a vampire. So that kind of makes sense. I’ve read a lot of fantasy books that feature this kind of age gap. But, for some reason, in this short story, that just felt slightly… wrong.

I think part of the reason that the age gap and relationship in this story felt wrong was that it felt kind of like the girl was being used. She definitely had feelings for the older vampire, but he didn’t seem to have them for her. It was an interesting story, but I definitely felt bad for the young girl. She even seemed to be aware of the fact that she was just being used to pass the time / decades…

There is so much history that must be seen by an immortal. I too would want to ask a thousand questions. So being constantly told “I forget” would drive me absolutely bonkers. I mean, seriously? So much knowledge, and no chance of having ANY of it shared? Even reading this drove me a little bit nuts…

<- TransitionThe Perfect Dinner Party ->

Image source: HarperCollins

Dating for Monster Hunters by Gemma Cates

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Dating for Monster Hunters
Author: Gemma Cates
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Monsters, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This is one of those books that I downloaded because it’s on Kobo Plus, and someone in a Facebook group suggested it. Thus, I had absolutely no idea what to expect, and started reading this with absolutely no expectations. And you know what? I kind of loved it. It was funny, quirky and a little off kilter. Plus, it’s adjacently related to a series by Cates that I’m looking forward to diving into… much like the very many, many, many books that are sitting in my TBR.

As someone who has never had to date (I met my SO young and we never actually dated), I have a bit of a fascination with the whole idea and practice of dating. Which meant that, reading about this monster hunter who is just trying to go on a few dates was particularly intriguing. I liked imagining anything and everything that could go wrong (because that was kind of the theme her if I’m being honest). Alright, everything that went wrong here was actually of a paranormal nature, but I can see how some of this would translate to real life situations and difficulties of dating.

From fairly on in the story, it was pretty obvious that Griffin was going to be the male love interest / perfect match up. And the fact that he feels it to, and accidentally sends her on disaster after disaster? Kind of hilarious. Yet, even with being able to predict just who the ultimate love interest is going to be, it was fun reading about how the couple ultimately got there. Plus, there’s a whole heap of interaction with the boss, and the mother… both of whom are also brilliant.

Even though this is a standalone novel, Dating for Monster Hunters does open up a whole new urban fantasy world to explore. I like that it’s got a Van Helsing / monster hunter spin. And that there are all sorts of monsters just introduced within this story – ones that you’ve heard of, some that you haven’t.

<- More Gemma CatesMore urban fantasy ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Coldest Spot in the Universe by Samira Ahmed

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

Title: The Coldest Spot in the Universe
Author: Samira Ahmed
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Paranormal fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

This was not a good short story to read when being pregnant and about to give birth. Mostly because it’s dystopian and about the end of life as we know it. And there’s death, and children. And honestly, just writing this review makes me incredibly sad. But that also shows you just how good this story is.

One of the aspects if this that really hit is that, according to this story, the end of days isn’t far away. Rather, it is only in 8 years. And it’s terrifying because I really don’t think it’s that far-fetched of an idea. The way and the how might be vague, but that very vagueness just makes it all that much more terrifying.

I did love this short story, even though it made me cry. I love that it’s about two girls, existing 100 years apart. One telling the story of her life, the other discovering it. And, although it’s not necessarily a happy story, it does highlight the hope and beauty of humanity. Whilst also reminding us of the dangers of our greed and pride.

<- UnmoorThe Beginning of Monsters ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Beginning of Monsters by Tessa Gratton

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

Title: The Beginning of Monsters
Author: Tessa Gratton
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Monsters, Paranormal fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I absolutely loved this short story. it was absolutely freaking brilliant, and totally unexpected. Every time I thought that the story line would go in one direction, it flipped and went in another. Not always the polar opposite to what I expected, but definitely not in a trajectory that I had anticipated. And I think that it did this about three or four times in not very many pages.

The unpredictableness of this tale is one of the things that I loved. Another aspect was that this was set in a non-binary culture. Instead of there just being two genders (and yes, I recognise that there are many more, but others don’t, and that’s not the rabbit hole to go down today), this story was set in a world that had four genders. Or at least, there were four that I picked up on. It felt a little like there could be a whole lot more flexibility than just those four to be honest.

It might have taken me a little while to get used to the different terms of an and az as gender terms. Actually, the first few times I thought that it was a typo. Which just goes to show how damn ingrained him and her are in our society, and how much work I have to remove my own binary understandings. But, having different terms like in this story is a great way to expand on that idea. A very inclusive and wonderful way to introduce to a new generation that genders and identity are a lot more flexible than some would have you believe.

Gender discussions aside (and I am one who will talk about this all day long), the main story line is about two questions… ‘what is a human?’ and ‘where is the line?’. I love that you start off thinking one group of people and their ideas are the monsters… but by the end of it, you’re really not sure. And even writing this review and seriously thinking about it… I don’t know whether the main character ended up on the side of good, or the side of monsters.

<- The Coldest Spot in the UniverseLonger Than the Threads of Time ->

Image source: Goodreads

Teeth edited by Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling

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

Title: Teeth: Vampire Tales
Author: Ellen Datlow, Terri Windling, Genevieve Valentine, Steve Berman, Christopher Barzak, Neil Gaiman, Delia Sherman, Garth Nix, Suzy McKee Charnas, Kaaron Warren, Cecil Castellucci, Jeffrey Ford, Nathan Ballingrud, Kathe Koja, Catherynne M. Valente, Melissa Marr, Ellen Kushner, Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, Lucius Shepard, Emma Bull & 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, Short story collections, Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology, eBook
Publisher: Harper
Year: 2011

Thoughts

This is one of those collections that I’ve stopped and started multiple times. Because sometimes that’s what I do with a short story collection. And yet, I have enjoyed reading it almost every step of the way. There’s always something fun and interesting about a collection edited by Ellen Datlow.

Vampire stories are one of those things that I’m very much on the fence about. I mean, I often enjoy them. But because of the naughties, they became something that was slightly overdone. Probably one of the reasons this book came in and out of my shelves so much – I enjoyed it but didn’t want to overdo it either.

The stories in this run the gambit of vampire characterisation. Some are classical. Some are romantic. Some are just a little bit bizarre. But every story was fun and worth reading again.

<- The PumaThings to Know About Being Dead ->

Image source: HarperCollins

Blood Hunt by Lucienne Diver

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Blood Hunt
Author: Lucienne Diver
Series: The Latter-Day Olympians #5
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I wanted to like this book a whole lot more than I did. I got through it, just, but it was so “eh” that I really am struggling to even write a review. I’m not sure if it’s because for me, this series has run out of steam. Or the fact that I just wasn’t necessarily in the right headspace to read this book. But all in all, I was disappointed.

I think part of the reason I was so driven to read this is because it rounds out the series. But admittedly I struggled with getting through Battle for the Blood. Again, I wanted to love this more than I did. Maybe it was just that my expectations were too high. After all, the premise is brilliant.

As with all reviews of books I’m not ridiculously into, I’ll keep this review short. I just struggled to feel attached to the characters and didn’t really care what the outcome of the story line was. But it might be amazing for other readers.

<- Battle for the BloodMore Lucienne Diver ->

Image source: Amazon

High Jinx by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: High Jinx
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Cursed Luck #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Kelley Armstrong is one of those brilliant and wonderful authors that I ca never get enough of. She writes wonderful stories with a strong female lead that is generally sassy and all around enjoyable. High Jinx is no exception to this trend. Kennedy is clever and independent but surrounded by the best kind of support and love. She also undergoes some pretty wonderful growth throughout this duology.

The way things were left off in Cursed Luck, Kennedy and Aiden were right on the cusp of something. But curses and fate got in the way. High Jinx picks up that thread and shows you how much these two are meant to be together. Particularly when Aiden reminds Kennedy that the risk is the decision of both of them. It was so much fun to watch this relationship unfold and grow throughout this book.

As with everything, the challenges and battles Kennedy faces in this are even greater than those in Cursed Luck. I love that Vess and Marius make a bit of an appearance in this story, although it is tangential. Mostly, there are other immortal gods running havoc through everyone’s lives. And, Kennedy has so many less avenues to follow in her attempt to, well, stay alive.

High Jinx is a wonderful, fast paced story. It ties up all of the loose ends from Cursed Luck and gives you a happily ever after vibe. It was a fun and enjoyable adventure. One with horrible families, insane gods and just your general nutty mayhem. I loved every moment of it, and I’m really disappointed that this duology is over. Although, Armstrong did manage to finish it all off perfectly.

<- Goddess of Summer LoveMore Kelley Armstrong ->

Image source: Amazon

Dream and Dare by Nic Stone

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

Title: Dream and Dare
Author: Nic Stone
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I love that the title of this short story is actually the names of the two lead characters. And that they are well-suited to their names. I mean, on the surface. They both definitely have elements of the other within their personalities, but mostly, they are very much like what their names imply.

Dream is seen to be the “perfect” wife, but is also into those activities which are considered unfeminine. I love that although she loves beautiful dresses, she also loves to climb trees and explore in these dresses. It’s a reminder that there is no one way of being a woman.

Contrastingly, Dare is tough and faces a lot of the ridicule for being “too masculine”. In fact, she deals with so much of this nonsense that she decides to effectively escape her life. And enact her revenge on all of those idiots who think that she needs “fixing”. It’s heartbreaking that both the girls experience prejudice in one form or another when they are just existing, but Dare’s constant battles are pretty hard to read about at times.

It was a pretty cute short story this one. I mean, they not only manage to find each other with a heavily implied happily ever after. But they also show that they’ve both been dancing around their interest in each other for years… a very cute little short story. And one I look forward to reading again in the future.

<- The Takeback TangoWish ->

Image source: Goodreads

Merely Mortal by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Faery Tales and Nightmares

Title: Merely Mortal
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Wicked Lovely #5.5
In: Faery Tales & Nightmares (Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year: 2012

Thoughts

Again, I probably should have read a whole lot more of the Wicked Lovely series before diving into this short story. Since it kind of has a bit of an epilogue feel to the whole series. Yet, even with having pretty much no context to the story, I still thoroughly enjoyed this.

Keenan and Donia are a great couple and definitely a little star crossed. Which is obvious from the moment you meet them both in Wicked Lovely. The fact that they’re finally getting their happily ever after was really nice. And a good way to tidy up what I’m sure are some lingering questions.

Aside from the spoilers and the romance, I love how the fae deal with the reality of humans catching them on camera. And that Donia is the one who stops her court from just going and killing everyone… something that, I feel, is kind of important in many ways. It is also such a creative way to deal with the issues of today and how Big Brother is always watching.

This was a short and sweet story, one that involves happily riding off into the sunset together. On a chilly, wintery night. Way too adorable and sweet.

<- Unexpected FamilyFaery Tales & Nightmares ->

Image source: HarperCollins Publishers

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Fragile Eternity
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Wicked Lovely #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2009

Thoughts

From their beginning in Wicked Lovely, Seth and Aislinn’s relationship is kind of always on tenterhooks. I mean, why wouldn’t it be? She’s tied to two worlds and two very different men. So, even when Wicked Lovely ended on such a positive note, I did wonder how Seth would be able to negotiate these new relationships. And how they would cope. This novel begins to answer all of these questions. There are still quite a few unanswered ones, but that will hopefully be answered later in the series.

I love that although they are constantly challenged, both Seth and Aislinn will do anything for each other. And most of the issues stem from Aislinn’s inability to see how she is being manipulated. Her weird blinders for Keenan’s behaviour are actually really frustrating, she is powerful, but so damn naïve about so many things. Contrastingly, she is constantly suspicious of Niall and Donia, who would actually make better allies than Keenan throughout this. Niall and Donia’s alliance is also something that I can’t wait to see unfold a little more…

Keenan is sort of the bad guy throughout this story, without being specifically evil. I mean, his selfish manipulations are actually kind of evil in and of themselves. But, he’s honestly just being selfish, not actually actively trying to be a horrible being. I did love that he actually realises how damn stupid and horrible he’s been at the end. And finally acknowledge all of the mistakes that he’s made. But, ultimately, that doesn’t happen until the very end of Fragile Eternity. And now I really want to see just how his decisions work out in the end. And what Aislinn chooses when she finally realises just how manipulative Keenan has been.

Lastly, Fragile Eternity introduces the High Court. We’ve spent time with Winter, Summer and Dark so far in this series. But now for the High Court, what I would normally picture when thinking of the fae. It also shows how problematic Banach is becoming or is about to become. It’s a reminder that all of the fae world is about balance, the balance is beginning to shift and I think that there are some really great and epic battles on the horizon.

<- Old HabitsStopping Time ->

Image source: Goodreads