Tag Archives: Short Story Collections

Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Let It Snow

Title: Let it Snow
Author: John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle
In: Let it Snow (John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Easy reading, Romance, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Penguin UK
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: Rachel!

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Synopsis

An ill-timed storm on Christmas Eve buries the residents of Gracetown under multiple feet of snow and causes quite a bit of chaos. One brave soul ventures out into the storm from her stranded train and sets off a chain of events that will change quite a few lives. Over the next three days one girl takes a risky shortcut with an adorable stranger, three friends set out to win a race to the Waffle House (and the hash brown spoils), and the fate of a teacup pig falls into the hands of a lovesick barista.

A trio of today’s bestselling authors – John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle – bring all the magic of the holidays to life in three hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and kisses that will steal your breath away.

Thoughts

I read this book because I needed a book to movie story for this year’s Popsugar challenge, and I was kind of struggling to get into the Christmas spirit. I’m at that weird age now that its’s not exactly exciting for me, and I don’t yet have children to be excited either. And, it didn’t make me run around singing Christmas carols, but this collection of three stories certainly got me more in the mood to celebrate the end of a year and family time.

One of the things that I loved about these three stories is that although they were written by different authors, they are all connected. Starting with Jubilee’s adventure, progressing to the tale of the Duke, and ending with a teacup pig, the three stories each have their own dose of Christmas miracles and romance. The subtle intertwining of fate and destiny throughout this collection was really fun, and although each story could, theoretically be read separately, I definitely would recommend reading them together – it just adds to the Christmas joy!

Although all of the characters in this book are still in high school, I still found it fun and enjoyable. Sometimes I get a little frustrated by the teenage-angst in a book, after all, I’m over that stage in my own life, so I don’t necessarily want to revisit it constantly. But, although there are the dramas of high school and puberty sprinkled throughout the tales, they are genuinely cute and adorable holiday romances. Something that left a sweet smile lingering across my lips.

<- The Patron Saint of PigsThe Jubilee Express ->

Image source: Better Reading

Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and Other Strange Tales by Robert Louis Stevenson

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Other Strange Tales

Title: Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and Other Strange Tales
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
In: Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and Other Strange Tales (Robert Louis Stevenson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Short story collections
Pace: Slow
Format: Collection
Publisher: Kingsford Editions
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Who is this Wolfe Macfarlane?

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Synopsis

‘… losing hold of my original and better self, and becoming slowly incorporated with my second and worse.’

Victorian London is the setting for The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886), Stevenson’s famous story of conflict between dual personalities: one good, and one ruthlessly evil. Other eerie tales in the volume are: The Body Snatcher (1881) inspired by the case of Burke and Hare; Markheim (1885) where a murderer meets a sinister smiling stranger; and The Bottle Imp (1893) in which an imp has the dubious power to grant the onwer’s every wish; also, The Weir of Hermiston (1896), an unfinished romance.

Thoughts

This was my first introduction to Robert Louis Stevenson. I bought it a while ago, because I wanted to read some classics and feel cultured. It proceeded to collect dust on my shelf while I pursued other obsessions. But, after reading this, I must say, I think I waited too long. Although sometimes the writing was a bit more convoluted than I am used to, and I often had to pause and reread aspects of the story to wrap my head firmly around the wording, I enjoyed every moment of it. And yes, I feel like I expanded on my cultural understanding and knowledge (a fallacy I am sure).

I was impressed by the many nuances and styles which Stevenson employed in these five tales. Of course, I had heard of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and was reading this work simply for that recognition. But, as the tales unfolded and the variety of ways in which Stevenson could write came to light, I found that I was enjoying myself more and more. The symbolism and meanings throughout the writing have left me feeling like I probably missed something crucial at one point, but it’s also given me an appreciation for a series of stories that I will be able to read again and again and again, discovering something new with every page turn.

 <- Weir of Hermiston ReviewThe Body Snatcher Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Under My Hat edited by Jonathan Strahan

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Overview
Under My Hat

Title: Under My Hat: Tales from the Cauldron
Author: Jonathan Strahan, Diana Peterfreund, Frances Hardinge, Garth Nix, Holly Black, Charles de Lint, Tanith Lee, Neil Gaiman, Ellen Klages, Ellen Kushner, Delia Sherman, Patricia A. McKillip, Tim Pratt, M. Rickert, Isobelle Carmody, Jane Yolen, Peter S. Beagle, Margo Lanagan
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Short story collections, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “Was he?” asked Mari.

Synopsis

Broomsticks.
Black Cats.
Pointy Hats.

They can mean only one thing – somewhere nearby, there must be a witch. From fairy tales to fims to fiction, witches cast their spells and capture our imaginations.

Now the biggest names in fantasy and young adult literature have come together to make a little magic of their own. Neil Gaiman, Holly Black, Diana Peterfreund, Margo Lanagan, Peter S. Beagle, and Garth Nix are just a few of the authors who have toiled over their cauldrons and conjured up bewitching new creations inspired by and celebrating the might and mystery of the witch. Assembled by one of the most well-regarded anthologists in the science fiction/fantasy world, this rich, intelligent collection will enchant readers of all ages.

Thoughts

Short story collections are always good fun. They’re a great way to discover new authors, and the common thread through them can be so unique and different. Sometimes I even struggle to find the common thread! Not with this amazing collection though. It’s simple. Witches.

Strahan did a great job of putting together this fun and cute little collection of witch-y tales and I’m actually kind of disappointed that it’s over. Although I bought it to read B is for Bigfoot by Jim Butcher, the rest of the stories really jumped out at me. It’s actually difficult to pick an absolute favourite – they all had this twisted, fun, unexpected adventure that they took me on. Closing the cover of the book, I feel like I’ve gone on journeys through distant lands (and realms) and come back to land squarely on earth. Which is actually kind of disappointing… time to find my next epic journey of witchcraft and wings…

<- Crow and Caper, Caper and CrowStray Magic ->

Image source: Frances Hardinge

The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories by Angela Carter

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

The Bloody ChamberTitle: The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories
Author: Angela Carter
In: The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories (Angela Carter)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Dark fantasy, Short story collections
Pace: Slow
Format: Collection
Publisher: Vintage
Year: 1979
5th sentence, 74th page: No response to my tentative rap on his door.

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Synopsis

Angela Carter was a storytelling sorceress, the literary godmother of such contemporary masters of supernatural fiction as Neil Gaiman, David Mitchell, Audrey Niffenegger, J. K. Rowling, and Kelly Link, who introduces this edition of Carter’s most celebrated book, published for the seventy-fifth anniversary of her birth. In The Bloody Chamber—which includes the story that is the basis of Neil Jordan’s 1984 movie The Company of Wolves—Carter spins subversively dark and sensual versions of familiar fairy tales and legends like “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Bluebeard,” “Puss in Boots,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” giving them exhilarating new life in a style steeped in the romantic trappings of the gothic tradition.

Thoughts

I started reading this book over a year ago. And after the first three stories, I felt completely overwhelmed. Honestly, they are hard going. But, after having a very long break, I decided to return to the world of Angela Carter. And I don’t know if it’s that I was in a better frame of mind for it, or maybe my reading tastes have developed, but there is something about Carter’s lyrical writing style that made it almost impossible to put this down.

There is a way about Carter’s writing that not only flows beautifully, but completely turns everything on its head. Her retake on many familiar stories leaves hauntingly familiar tales that you can’t quite put your finger on. It’s eerie and haunting, and has definitely given me a lot to think about.

 <- Wolf Alice Review The Bloody Chamber Review ->
Image source: Angela Carter

Legends of Australian Fantasy edited by Jack Dann and Jonathan Strahan

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Overview

Legends of Australian FantasyTitle: Legends of Australian Fantasy
Editors: Jack Dann & Jonathan Strahan
Authors: Garth Nix, Trudi Canavan, Juliet Marillier, Isobelle Carmody, Kim Wilkins, Sean Williams, D.M. Cornish, Ian Irvine, John Birmingham, Jennifer Fallon & Cecilia Dart-Thornton
In: Legends of Australian Fantasy (Jack Dann & Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Short story collections
Pace: Fast
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘And… and from the Charter, milady.’

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Synopsis

From two of the best editors working today … These are the legends of Australian fantasy – eleven of Australia’s best-loved and most widely read writers … Gathered together by equally legendary editors Jack Dann and Jonathan Strahan to produce an entirely original compilation … Celebrate the legends of Australian fantasy. Extraordinary voices … extraordinary worlds. Come to Erith, to a faerie tale with a sting, or to Obernewtyn, long before the Seeker was born. Revisit a dark pocket of history for the Magician’s Guild or get caught up in the confusion of an endlessly repeating day in the Citadel. Cross the wall, where Charter magic is all that lies between you and death. A trip with a graverobber can be gruesome, and it’s hard to share the fear of a woman who must kill her husband if her child is to rule … A mysterious tale plays out in Sevenwaters. Catch up with Ros and Adi as they prepare for the greatest change of all. Other twists in these fabulous tales bring us to demonic destiny and an alternate WWII.

Thoughts

I love pursuing Australian authors – after all, I would love to be one one day, and they are my people. So, discovering that there is a book that features not one, not two, but nine of these phenomenal people made me break out in a huge grin. And I wasn’t disappointed. Actually, the main disappointment came when I finished the last novella and had to find a new anthology to go and read.

The pace of each of these nine novellas was entirely unique and, in most cases, quite unexpected. The only tie that they had to one another was that they are all fantasy stories, and they tied into a series or world created by the author. Which, ultimately means that I have another seven series to go out and buy (I already owned two). Sometimes, this kind of variety doesn’t really work. The stories don’t flow well and it is really just feels haphazard in how they’re collected. But, the short author introduction at the beginning of each story and the rationale behind the story worked brilliantly and made it a cohesive whole.

If you want a taste of the brilliance that some of Australia’s finest fantasy authors have to offer, I’d definitely recommend that you buy this book. Or borrow it, whatever tickles your fantasy. It was a fantastic welcome to a few new worlds and I’ve got a couple of new books to add to my shelves now.

 <- The Enchanted Review To Hold the Bridge Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Australia

To Hold the Bridge Collection by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: To Hold the Bridge Collection
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘See you then!’ said Tangerine.

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

Synopsis

A short story collection, including an Old Kingdom novella, from author Garth Nix!

Far to the north of the magical Old Kingdom, the Greenwash Bridge Company has been building a bridge for almost a hundred years. It is not an easy task, for many dangers threaten the bridge builders, from nomad raiders to Free Magic sorcerers. Despite the danger, Morghan wants nothing more than to join the Bridge Company as a cadet. But the company takes only the best, the most skillful Charter mages, and trains them hard, for the night might come when only a single young cadet must hold the bridge against many foes. Will Morghan be that cadet?

Also included in this collection are eighteen short stories that showcase Nix’s versatility as he adds a fantastical twist on an array of genres including science fiction, paranormal, realistic fiction, mystery, and adventure.

Thoughts

Sometimes there’s nothing like sitting down and reading a great collection of short stories. Normally, I tend to read anthologies – stories from a number of authors covering a number of genres and suiting a wide array of readers. But occasionally, there is an author that I love so much that it is my greatest joy to spend a few days with them in all of their weird little worlds. Or at least, that’s how I feel about Garth Nix and this collection of short stories.

Admittedly, I originally bought To Hold the Bridge to read, well, To Hold the Bridge. But, thanks to the little graph on the back (telling me what was actually in this book), I was also introduced to worlds of vampires, struggle, and well, other worlds…

Nix’s break down of these short stories into smaller sections made it all the more simpler to enjoy and read this collection. After all, it is easy to figure out which one you want to read when they have subheadings such as: Creatures of Darkness and Light; Check Your Faint Heart at the Door; A Wink and a Nod…

Like I said, this collection is a fantastic way in which to spend a few days (or in my case, weeks), and I’m actually kind of sad that it’s over…

<- Peace in Our Time Review Vampire Weather Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
tales-of-the-otherworld

Title: Tales of the Otherworld
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld Companion
In: Tales of the Otherworld (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Your nose is fine, though.

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Synopsis

A young vampire learns the heavy price of his new existence; black witch Eve Leving meets Kristof Nast, her soulmate and her nemesis; Lucas Cortez, lawyer, sorcerer and unwilling heir to his father’s Cabal, sets out on a case that will change his destiny; Paige Winterbourne discovers just how fraught a white (witch) wedding can be; and Elena Michaels begins her unwitting journey to a new life – as the only female werewolf in the world…

Thoughts

This was such an amazing collection of short stories. It combined sass and humour with comments on the politics and power of a number of supernaturally gifted human beings. Yet, it was more than that, Tales of the Otherworld imparted important humanitarian reminders upon me as a reader – a reminder that acceptance and attempting to understand others is integral to leading long and happy lives. At least, that’s the message that I got from this collection.

The eight stories in Tales of the Otherworld fit beautifully into the Women of the Otherworld series and they help to build upon tales mentioned throughout the books. Although it isn’t important to read them to understand the greater Women of the Otherworld plot line, if you’re like me, and love to know the background of all of your favourite characters, then this is definitely a collection that you will enjoy reading!

<- Men of the OtherworldOtherworld Nights ->

Image source: Goodreads

Tortall and Other Lands by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

tortall-and-other-landsTitle: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection
Author: Tamora Pierce
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Short story collections, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: I rode my donkey, as befitted my age.

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Synopsis

Collected here for the first time are all of the tales from the land of Tortall, featuring both previously unknown characters as well as old friends. Filling some gaps of time and interest, these stories, some of which have been published before, will lead Tammy’s fans, and new readers into one of the most intricately constructed worlds of modern fantasy.

Thoughts

There is nothing like visiting a world that you have loved since childhood, and Tortall and Other Lands is a great way in which to do this. Yet, it isn’t just about Tortall, Pierce tells stories about womanhood, coming of age and overcoming odds in spite of everything that can happen. It is this great range of stories that will enthral and captivate any reader again and again and again.

The short stories about Tortall, which cover the first half of this book, help to revisit a reality that has been built in layers over many years. Telling those short stories that fit between the main quartets, and stories helps to not only add to these layers, but tell the untold tales that don’t quite fit into an overarching series. They act as epilogues, tangents and side journeys that not only bring the main characters and their sidekicks to life, but also the rich tapestry upon which this world was built.

The second half of this book is filled with short stories based in lands both far away and near. They are great reminders of our power and purpose in life. And beautifully creative stories that will stay with you forever. They have certainly lingered in my memory!

<- Testing Review Time of Proving Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

ghostwriting-tales-of-the-supernaturalTitle: Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural
Author: Traci Harding
In: Ghostwriting: Tales of the Supernatural (Traci Harding)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Ghosts, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook Collection
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: My agent, Selwa Anthony, gave me the title and asked me to write a tale, but the story itself had been brewing for a long time before Selwa gave me the reason to pen it.

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

Synopsis

Enter a world of mystery and hauntings fair and foul .

the best ghost stories you will read for a long time … from the author of the bestselling Ancient Future. Featuring characters inspired by her closest friends and relations, traci delivers a series of spine-tingling stories alongside autobiographical snippets that give fascinating insights into her life and the real-life personalities who inspire the characters for her fiction (including the fiesty model for Ancient Future’s Tory Alexander!) Enter a world of mystery and hauntings fair and foul.

Thoughts

I’m not normally very interested in ghost stories. Even growing up, at sleep overs, I always found them a little boring. So it was a pleasant surprise to find a collection of short ghost stories which I actually enjoyed. Better yet to find a collection that makes me question my preconceptions about the world that I live in and how I am able to influence my reality.

Harding is always a purveyor of the power of thought weaves this through her tales so neatly that it is only after you read the last word that you realise the potency of her esoteric views. The happy endings and reminder of our own power to influence our lives gives a nice, complete feeling of power when you finish this collection. A welcome one that helps to highlight the supernatural aspects of the stories which are imparted throughout the collection.

One of the things that I loved the most about this collection of short stories was the introduction to each tale. All of the short stories were dedicated to one of the amazing women in Harding’s life and her explanation of how they have helped her on her own esoteric and writing journey. This made the stories feel immensely more personal, and the leads far more real.

<- Book of Dreams Review A Piece of Time Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Australia

Men of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

men-of-the-otherworld

Title: Men of the Otherworld
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld Companion
In: Men of the Otherworld (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: What’s that?

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

Synopsis

As a curious six-year-old, Clayton didn’t resist the bite—he asked for it. But surviving as a lone child-werewolf was more than he could manage—until Jeremy came along and taught him how to straddle the human-werewolf worlds, gave him a home…and introduced him to the Pack. So begins this volume, featuring three of the members of the American Pack—a hierarchical founding family where bloodlines mean everything and each day presents a new, thrilling, and often deadly challenge. For as Clayton grows from a wild child to a clever teen who tests his beloved mentor at every turn, he must learn not only to control his animal instincts but to navigate Pack politics—including showing his brutal archnemesis, Malcolm, who the real Alpha is…

Thoughts

These four short stories may be centred upon the North American werewolf pack, but for me, it was mostly about Jeremy. With the first short story telling of his origins, and the last explaining them and his quirks to his adult (and fully realised) self. Whilst Clay’s story is also outlined throughout this, it is also told in the light of his devotion to Jeremy – after all, until Elena, Jeremy is also the centre of Clayton’s world.

Although I have loved every single character and story that Armstrong has rolled out in her Women of the Otherworld series, it is always Elena and the werewolf Pack that I enjoy returning to the most. Maybe because they are the ones I first fell in love with, maybe because there is just something about their characters that continues to draw me back. Regardless, reading a collection of short stories that focus upon their origins and history left me with a novel that I found impossible to put down.

<- Baby BoomTales of the Otherworld ->

Image source: Amazon