Tag Archives: Short Story Collections

Hexed by Ilona Andrews, Yasmine Galenorn, Allyson James & Jeanne C. Stein

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Hexed

Title: Hexed
Author: Ilona Andrews, Yasmine Galenorn, Allyson James & Jeanne C. Stein
In: Hexed (Ilona Andrews, Yasmine Galenorn, Allyson James & Jeanne C. Stein)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 6th – 23rd January 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: If I can.

Synopsis

‘Four bestselling names in romance and fantasy come together in this collection of thrilling novellas featuring powerful women who know how to handle a hex or two…

New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews spins “Magic Dreams.” Shapeshifting tigress Dali Harimau finds herself in deep waters when she must challenge a dark being to a battle of wits or risk losing the man for whom she secretly longs.

In “Ice Shards”, New York Times bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn returns to the Otherworld as Iris Kuusi, a Finnish house sprite, journeys to the frozen Northlands to confront the crazed shadow of her former lover and break the curse that is keeping her from marrying the man she loves.

National bestselling author Allyson james takes you to Magellan, Arizona, where Stormwalker Janet Begay and her friends are trapped by a powerful curse. It will take every bit of magic simmering beneath her skin for the Stormwalker to survive being “Double Hexed”.

From national bestselling author Jeanne C. Stein comes “Blood Debt,” in which bount-hunter-turned-vampire Anna Strong is visited by three witches who ask her to right an old magical wrong. Anna will have to live up to her last name to make it through alive.

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this collection of novellas. And was wondering why I didn’t pick this up much, much sooner. After all, it’s been sitting on my bookshelf for a few years. Although, since I now have another two series that I need to buy (I already had two), I’m beginning to think that that may have been my reason for not sinking my teeth into this series too early on.

There was a healthy addition of romance throughout these urban fantasy stories. But, mostly they featured kick ass women, curses and pasts that they were trying to overcome. All of which are some of my favourite themes and topics in any kind of story. The fact that I got to read four novellas with these themes, well, that just made me even more happy. And made this collection all the more difficult to put down so I could do something grown up and productive.

 <- Blood DebtMagic Dreams ->

Image source: Ilona Andrews

Shifter by Angela Knight, Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day & Virginia Kantra

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for shifter angela knight book cover

Title: Shifter
Author: Angela Knight, Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day & Virginia Kantra
In: Shifter (Angela Knight, Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day & Virginia Kantra)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: She brushed back the dark bangs that grew over her forehead and tried to restrain the nervous jitter playing patty-cake in her stomach.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

In this seductive anthology, four masters of paranormal romance explore the boundaries of erotic shape-shfiting fantasy – and shatter them.

Something happens when the beast within is teased and tempted. Something dangerous. Something inescapable. Somethin so irresistible no woman would want to run from it.

Whether transforming beneath a cool blue moon, prowling the night streets with feline grace and bloodred talons, or panting with pleasure, the shifters come alive to fulfill your wildest fantasies…

Thoughts

I didn’t really realise how much I’m obsessed with paranormal romance and shapeshifters… until I read this collection. And loved every single story, and now have a one-track obsession with each of the three series and four authors. Which is a monetary issues, because I don’t really want to be buying all of these series… and new authors… but I kind of have…

I love that the paranormal romance stories throughout this anthology run the gamut of sexual intensity. From sweet and gentle courtship to rough and tumble lust, these four stories highlight romance and passion in a way that made me miss my other half (he was away while I was reading most of this).

Although the majority of these tales featured a feline shapeshifter (I don’t know why, but these are so incredibly enthralling), there were others throughout. The different forms, moods and temperaments of a similar theme worked well against the often lustful romance, and now I have to be patient in waiting for the next book sin all of these series to arrive on my doorstep…

 <- Sea Crossing ReviewMad Dog Love Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Magical Christmas Cat by Lora Leigh, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh & Linda Winstead Jones

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Overview
Image result for the magical christmas cat book cover

Title: The Magical Christmas Cat
Author: Lora Leigh, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh & Linda Winstead Jones
In: The Magical Christmas Cat (Lora Leigh, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh & Linda Winstead Jones)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Short story collections
Pace: Fast
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: A feline smile.

Synopsis

There’s something magical about Christmas and cats…

Four top-selling authors have a special gift for you this year: never-before-published holiday stories featuring passionate romance, paranormal adventure, and a distinctly alluring feline touch. With four new stories – including one featuring Lora Leigh’s genetically altered Feline Breeds – this is a collection packed with more surprises than Christmas morning, and more chills than the snowiest winter night…

Thoughts

I bought this book because I wanted something that was Christmassy to get me in the Christmas mood. I saw that I recognised one of the four authors, and figured I really couldn’t go wrong the a name like “The Magical Christmas Cat”. And boy was I not disappointed.

There isn’t an overwhelming Christmas feel to some of these stories, they’re not full on and cliched like some collections I have picked up in the past. But, there is enough of the Christmas spirit and time of year to make you excited for the madness of family and gift giving. The moments when you look around at the bedlam and go “yup, I love these nut bags” (or at least, that’s what I feel most of the time around the Christmas period).

I liked the backdrop of Christmas against these four novellas. The romance that takes place in each tale is somehow more pure and simple during the holiday season, and it also promotes feelings of mistletoe and gifts. Long nights by the firelight under the Christmas tree (even though, as an Aussie, I’ve never actually sat by the Christmas tree under the flickering lights of a fire)… there is just something fun and beautiful about these Christmassy feline stories and I definitely suggest reading it in the holiday season!

 <- Christmas HeatStroke of Enticement ->

Image source: Amazon

A Christmas Carol and Other Holiday Treasures by Charles Dickens

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for a christmas carol and other holiday treasures word cloud classics book cover

Title: A Christmas Carol and Other Holiday Treasures
Author: Charles Dickens
Series: Word Cloud Classics
In: A Christmas Carol and Other Holiday Treasures (Charles Dickens)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Classics, Short story collections
Pace: Slow
Format: Collection
Publisher: Word Cloud Classics
Year: 1843
5th sentence, 74th page: A merrier Christmas, Bob, my good fellow, than I have given you, for many a year!

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Most famous in the realm of holiday literature for his 1843 publication, A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens was in fact a prolific writer in the yuletide genre and a great contributor to many now-prevalent traditions of the holiday itself. In 1944, A Christmas Carol, Dickens released The Chimes: A Christmas Story of Some Bells That Rang an Old Year Out and a New Year In, which combined his usual sympathy for the poor with the notion that we must always strive to live in nobler ways. In 1845 came the novella The Cricket on the Hearth. The years 1846 and 1848 respectively saw published The Battle of Life and The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain. Because of this wealth of Christmas-themed works, Dickens is sometime referred to as “the man who invented Christmas.”

Thoughts

I can’t believe that it has taken me until I was almost twenty-six to read this collection! Actually, I can’t believe that it has taken me almost twenty-six years to read anything written by Charles Dickens. Normally I find anything written in the 1800s pleasurable, but a little difficult to get through. Not so with Dickens’ writing. It is so much more accessible and, although it still has the same mouthy, lyrical feel as much of the writing from that time, it is just somehow less formal, and more… real.

I know that sometimes Dickens is known as the father of the Christmas spirit. And, after reading these five “Christmas stories”, I can understand why. They all have the underlying theme of giving, love and family. Most of the stories feature the poor, and highlight that they almost have a better time in the holiday season than the rich – because for them it isn’t confused by the cost of Christmas, but of the love that surrounds everyone.

<- The Upturned FaceA Christmas Carol ->

Image source: Amazon

An Enchanted Season by Nalini Singh, Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy & Jean Johnson

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Overview
Image result for an enchanted season book cover

Title: An Enchanted Season
Author: Nalini Singh, Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy & Jean Johnson
In: An Enchanted Season (Nalini Singh, Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy & Jean Johnson)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Short story collections
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Merry Christmas.

Synopsis

It’s the time of year when dreams come true, miracles happen every day, and love is the greatest gift of all. The holidays always seem to bring out the best in everyone, with heartfelt hugs for long-missed friends, sincere smiles in the spirit of the season, and a feeling of magic in the air…

This scintillating collection of paranormal romances celebrates the holidays as never before. From a shape-shifting leopardess who wants a packmate to be her soul mate to a sudden snow-storm that brings a surprise gift, these four tales by Nalini Singh, Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy, and Jean Johnson will stir your spirit in all the right places.

Thoughts

Naw. This collection left me with such happy, Christmassy, gooey feelings. All four of these novellas are simple, cute and incredibly sweet. They encompass the feelings of love and giving that to me is the true spirit of Christmas. After finishing every single one of these novellas, I not only bought something by each of the authors, but I just sat there with a feeling of bliss and happiness that there is still goodness in the world.

I know that the storyline is really good and sweet when it makes me tear up a bit. The fact that every single story in this collection did that to me is a fantastic indication of just how special this entire collection is. If you need something feel good and beautiful, this is certainly a reflection worth reading!

 <- Gifts of the MagiMelting Frosty ->

Image source: Amazon

110 Grimmer Fairy Tales by Brothers Grimm

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for 110 grimmer fairy tales word cloud classics book cover

Title: 110 Grimmer Fairy Tales
Author: Brothers Grimm
Series: Word Cloud Classics
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Easy reading, Fairy tales, Short story collections
Pace: Slow
Format: Collection
Publisher: Word Cloud Classics
Year: 1819
5th sentence, 74th page: So she did the old woman’s bidding, placed herself at the window and looked on the distant country, as if she were very sorrowful.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

We all know the stories — or do we? We know who Snow White is, but what about Rose Red? And what happens to an all-too willful child? Learn more intriguing stories about “Wise Folks,” “The King’s Son Who Feared Nothing,” and . . . well . . . “Donkey Cabbages”–to name a few. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were well-known nineteenth-century German storytellers, academics, linguists, and cultural researchers who did not hold back when telling terrifying tales, including parables and fables designed to teach and entertain readers of all ages.

The Brothers Grimm Volume 2: 110 Grimmer Fairy Tales is perfect for the short story lover, and offers many entertaining tales to delight–and fright–literature lovers.

Thoughts

There seems to be a lot of stupid Hans’ in this collection. Or at least a patch towards the later middle that has a lot of stories that feature a dumb young man named Hans. And the recurrent theme seemed to be honesty, truth and fairness. Give to others. The typical ideas of fairy tales that I grew up with. Just with a far more twisted take and journey.

It’s a little difficult for me to seriously review a collection of traditional fairy tales. The things which normally trigger me and make me frustrated are rife throughout (stories of women beating, princess needing saving, etc.). But it is a different time, and I don’t really believe in rampaging about ideals of different times and places. The fact that the underlying message and themes are all about integrity and honesty. Not taking others for granted. Treating people as you wish to be treated. The kinds of things that I love to see perpetuated through tales, stories and journeys.

<- 101 Fairy TalesBulfinch’s Mythology ->

Image source: Amazon

The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for the language of thorns book cover

Title: The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: The Language of Thorns (Leigh Bardugo)
In: Grishaverse Companion
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fairy tales, Fantasy, Illustrated, 
Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Imprint
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: The bear craved jokes.

Synopsis

Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns.

Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid’s voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy’s bidding but only for a terrible price.

Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.

Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.

This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them lavishly illustrated with art that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves.

Thoughts

I found it almost impossible to put this damn book down. Which is a little problematic… since I have a whole heap of other productive things to do… the illustrations in this version just helped to make it ten thousand times more difficult to put down.

I’ve been on a bit of a fairytale binge lately. But there is always something that sits a little funny when I read the old school stories. They don’t really feature strong women, or women with any kind of power at all. Bardugo’s versions were completely different. They were dark and twisted. They featured women with power and independence.

One of the tales throughout this constantly says, it all would have been different if they’d just asked her what she wanted… and this works brilliantly as a theme throughout the entire collection.

The only disappointing thing about this novel was that it ended. I sat there staring into space for ages, wondering when I would next find such an amazing read… luckily there is a whole series to sink my teeth into now!

 <- More Leigh BardugoAyama and the Thorn Wood ->

Image source: The Grishaverse Wiki

Wild Thing by Marjorie M. Liu, Maggie Shayne, Alyssa Day & Meljean Brook

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Wild Thing

Title: Wild Thing
Author: Marjorie M. Liu, Maggie Shayne, Alyssa Day & Meljean Brook
In: Wild Thing (Marjorie M. Liu, Maggie Shayne, Alyssa Day & Meljean Brook)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Plump, ripe, sweet.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Four extraordinary talents bring the most uncommon desires to life in a bold new anthology of romance on the edge.

Enter the forbidden and recklessly exciting world of the demon horde and their willing victims…

Listen to the secrets of a beautiful animal whisperer who’s drawn intimately closer to danger, and to the most suspect of all male animals – man…

Get swept away by the passions that rise out of the unfathomable depths of the lost city of Atlantis…

Follow the dark shadows that stalk both the living and the undead in a world of restless vampires and guardian angels…

Thoughts

I tend to buy these small collections of novellas to contribute to one of the series on my shelf. And then when I read them, I get to discover new authors and series that just continue to expand on my collection…

I loved this collection of novellas. I was expecting a very mushy gushy collection judging by the fact that it is classified as paranormal romance. However, it wasn’t like that at all. Each of the stories did feature sex and some form of romance, but it wasn’t incredibly intense. The sexual tension helped to add an extra layer to the storyline, without taking over it.

And don’t get me wrong… I love the stories that are all about the romance, but sometimes it’s nice to have a set of stories which have a sexual tension component, without it just being about that.

 <- Animal Magnetism ReviewWild Hearts in Atlantis Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance edited by Trisha Telep

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Overview
The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance

Title: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance
Author: Trisha Telep, Shirley Kennedy, Claire Delacroix, Margo Maguire, Cat Adams, Cindy Miles, Patricia Rice, Jennifer Ashley, Kathleen Givens, Jenna Maclaine, Dara England, Cindy Holby, Helen Scott Taylor, Roberta Gellis, Ciar Cullen, Susan Krinard, Nadia Williams, Penelope Neri, Sandra Newgent, Sue-Ellen Welfonder & Pat McDermott
Series: Mammoth Books
In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Celtic, Fae, Romance, Short story collections
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Running Press
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: He gazed around the tiny room and frowned.

Synopsis

An enthralling collection of romantic tales set amidst beautiful Ireland’s lush ancient landscapes: pre-Christian ruins, green hills, rugged cliffs, and pounding Atlantic surf. These stories–by writers such as Roberta Gellis, Bertice Small, Jennifer Ashley, Claire Delacroix, and Mary Jo Putney–honor Ireland’s rich heritage as a land of poets, magic, and mystery. The publication will be just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

Thoughts

I loved, loved, loved this collection. My heart melted. My soul sang. And I had a constant smile on my lips throughout the tale.

Irish folklore has always fascinated me and pulled me in. Probably because some of my family is originally from there. And so I collection of romances that are guaranteed to make your heart melt all based in the folklore and mythos of this beautiful country… well, for me, it is a dream come true.

I mostly read each of these beautiful short stories when I was up late at night and struggling to sleep. The short stories guaranteed that I couldn’t get too involved in the storyline. But the romantic and beautiful angle of the stories meant that I was guaranteed to have pleasant dreams and drift off with a smile on my face.

<- Just AskThe Blue Pebble ->

Image source: Goodreads

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Stars AboveTitle: Stars Above
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles Companion
In: Stars Above (Marissa Meyer)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Short story collections, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: I mean, not really, but I can adjust my hearing so it seems louder.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories – and secrets – that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies? With nine stories – five of which have never before been published – and a special bonus excerpt from Marissa Meyer’s upcoming novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

Thoughts

There’s nothing better than discovering that a loved series has a short story collection that goes along with it. And the fact that I realised this before getting too far into the series meant that I actually got to read most of this series in chronological order. Which, let me tell you, made an already amazing series amazing-er (it’s a word now…)

One of the things that I absolutely adored about this collection is that it gave great back stories and an amazing insight into each of the characters in The Lunar Chronicles. Although the novels by themselves tell you enough about each new character when they appear, this gives a more in depth insight into the past.

If you’re a fan of fairy tales, good writing, or even The Lunar Chronicles, you need to get your hands on this collection. It is an amazing companion to an amazing series (I’m using amazing a lot in this review) and it is thoroughly enjoyable to pick up a new story here and there to fix that Lunar Chronicles itch.

 <- Something Old, Something New Review The Keeper Review ->
Image source: Lunar Chronicles Wiki