Tag Archives: Strange Brew

Dark Sins by Jenna Maclaine

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

strange-brewTitle: Dark Sins
Author: Jenna Maclaine
Series: Cin Craven #1.5
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Whatever the wizard had dosed him with had put him so far under that there was no consciousness left.

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Synopsis

Venice 1881, Cin Craven’s journey starts and she is forced to battle some fairly sinister forces.

Thoughts

The employment of the Morrigan in a story about vampires was not something that I expected. Neither was the merging of a vampire and a witch into one incredibly powerful being. However, it worked brilliantly! Cin Craven is everything that I love in a heroine – and the fact that she is a vampire was a different twist. Unlike a lot of vampire stories that have become popular in our modern culture, her condition as this type of paranormal creature is not fully romanticised, nor is it portrayed as something that all simpering teens desire. It was a lot darker and, due to this, felt a lot truer.

The placement of the story in 1881 Venice had so many romantic connotations – ones that were maybe not fully realised, but the use of this backdrop left a lingering feeling of love and sophistication to the carnage into which Cin steps. This juxtaposition between the two conditions and Cin’s team and those of their enemies worked beautifully to create a reality in which the storyline flourished.

 <- Ginger Review Strange Brew Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Ginger by Caitlin Kittredge

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

strange-brewTitle: Ginger
Author: Caitlin Kittredge
Series: Nocturne City #3.5
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Werewolves, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: I pulled the magick down to me, feeling it spiral from my forehead to my fingers.

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Synopsis

The sweet, quiet sidekick finds her own strength and power.

Thoughts

Sunny was a very sweet heroine in Ginger, and a great counterpart to her far more volatile cousin. The balance between these two characters was enjoyable, and Sunny’s ability to hold her own (even when she doubts that she can) reminds us that strength comes in all shapes and sizes. Even in those who are naturally meek and uninterested in conflict of any shape or form.

The political intrigue and use of the American Justice System in the telling of this story added a layer of interest to a tale that is otherwise a little forgettable. The characters are relatable and enjoyable, but the overarching storyline was not as spine tingling and attention grabbing as the rest of the short stories in the Strange Brew collection.

 <- Signatures of the Dead Review Dark Sins Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Bacon by Charlaine Harris

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
strange-brew

Title: Bacon
Author: Charlaine Harris
Series: Sookie Stackhouse #8.6
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: “I understand,” Kathy murmured.

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Synopsis

A beautiful Vampire named Dahlia joins forces with a Witch named Taffy from an ancient line to find out who killed her beloved husband.

Thoughts

I’m not normally a huge fan of stories that are all about revenge – it seems like most of the time it is a twisted pursuit that leaves the perpetuators shells of their former selves. However, I liked the gradual and manipulative way in which Dahlia pursues her vengeance in this short story. Not only is it a pursuit in the name of love, but the sass and flash with which she carries out her retribution completely makes up for my usual distaste in such a story.

The invocation of Circe and her descendants in this short tale finally helped me to make sense of the name of this short story – Bacon. The true cunning and wordplay of Harris actually comes to the fore, but it isn’t until the very last sentence that this wit is shown.

<- Hecate’s Golden EyeSignatures of the Dead ->

Image source: Goodreads

Hecate’s Golden Eye by P.N. Elrod

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
strange-brew

Title: Hecate’s Golden Eye
Author: P.N. Elrod
Series: Vampire Files #11.5
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: It had a hell of a lot more force than a bare fist.

Synopsis

Sometimes you need to steal something to return it to its rightful owners…

Thoughts

I didn’t really know what to think about this story – I liked the idea of a moral private investigator with a vampire sidekick, but some of the suave present in past stories by P.N. Elrod is missing from this short tale. However, the voice of the narrative helped to bring me back to the story when I wasn’t entirely sure it was what I was in the mood for. The tone of the tale had just the right balance of cheerful self-deprecation and intrigue to keep me interested in the chief protagonist and his quick journey into re-stealing a gem for its rightful owner.

The idea of multiple kinds of retribution to the “bad guys” throughout this story left me with a warm feeling at the end of the tale. From the long con to out and out thievery, the selfishness of those perpetuating the crimes onto others had consequences which left me smiling at the end of the tale. It’s always nice when the good guys win, and the bad guys are punished in some way, shape or form.

<- Vegas OddsBacon ->

Image source: Goodreads

Vegas Odds by Karen Chance

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
strange-brew

Title: Vegas Odds
Author: Karen Chance
Series: Cassandra Palmer #4.4, Cassandra Palmer World #14
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: They hit the floot to avoid the bullets Cyrus was letting fly, making them perfect targets for a second potion – one designed to induce unconsciousness.

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Synopsis

Lia manages to beat the vegas odds in this amazingly fun and active short story.

Thoughts

From the very first sentence of this short story, you are thrown into the middle of the conflict. Lia’s self-berating and gradual realisation of the culprits in her attack help to add to this immediate sense of drama and action. The twists and turns of the plot are impossible to predict as her inner strength and moxie are revealed. To me, this is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the story – once the cause of one point of conflict is revealed, a number of other problems quickly arise.

The idea of Lia as a half-breed and the subsequent stigma and segregation which she experiences is a great reminder of that which anyone who is different tends to experience. In some cases, people who come from two starkly different cultural and racial backgrounds aren’t fully accepted by either group of people. The pain and discomfort that Lia feels in her lack of acceptance, and even her inability to fully trust her boyfriend (who obviously loves her) to accept her speaks to the pain which such a discrimination can cause a person.

The showiness of this story beautifully matches what I picture of Vegas, at least as much as I can on the other side of the world. Even the Trials by which the war mages must take their new place in society is a showy affair with lots of drama and flash to make a simple point and test. The subterfuge throughout the story helps to match this, and even Lia’s own personality seems to fit into the idea of show and flash throughout the tale.

<- Death Warmed OverHecate’s Golden Eye ->

Image source: Goodreads

Last Call by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

strange-brewTitle: Last Call
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #10.6
In: Side Jobs (Jim Butcher) & Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: “You look like hell.”

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Synopsis

Last Call is a short story in The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. It is set between Small Favor and Turn Coat. It was originally published in Strange Brew, and later included in the anthology Side Jobs.

Thoughts

I loved the humour and wit in this short story – the shenanigans and difficulties of Dresden’s journey all result from his desire for a drink. Something which he constantly laments as he pursues the cause of violence. The dry humour in the narrator’s (Dresden’s) voice made this short story flash by as he runs after felons in pursuit of justice, and a nice, cold drink. It is this sass and obvious enjoyment throughout the tale that makes it impossible to put down and ignore.

Butcher combines fantasy, humour and crime into his stories which create a textured and intimate reality. The layering upon our everyday concerns – we all have a favourite place to eat and drink, a partner that is constantly challenging and perplexing us – which helps to progress the story in such a vivid and engaging way. The very humanity that is placed within an inhumane society and fantasy world is what helps to bring this tale to the forefront.

<- Seeing Eye Review Vegas Odds Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Strange Brew edited by P.N. Elrod

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Overview

strange-brew

Title: Strange Brew
Authors: Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine, Karen Chance, P.N. Elrod, Charlaine Harris, Faith Hunter, Caitlin Kittredge & Jenna Maclaine
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: St Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Murphy jumped on me then, pinning my left arm down as Meditrina started raking at my face with her nails, both of them screaming like banshees.

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Synopsis

Today’s hottest urban fantasy authors come together in this delicious brew that crackles and boils over with tales of powerful witches and dark magic!

In Charlaine Harris’ “Bacon,” a beautiful vampire joins forces with a witch from an ancient line to find out who killed her beloved husband. In “Seeing Eye” by Patricia Briggs, a blind witch helps sexy werewolf Tom Franklin find his missing brother—and helps him in more ways than either of them ever suspected. And in Jim Butcher’s “Last Call,” wizard Harry Dresden takes on the darkest of dark powers—the ones who dare to mess with this favorite beer.

For anyone who’s ever wondered what lies beyond the limits of reality, who’s imagined the secret spaces where witches wield fearsome magic, come and drink deep. Let yourself fall under the spell of this bewitching collection of short stories!

Thoughts

This was a thoroughly enjoyable collection of short stories – they all erred on the side of dark fantasy and had twists to traditional ideas that I didn’t expect. The balance of female and male chief protagonists was well thought out, with a range of characters for even the most discerning reader to fall in love with. I loved that each tale was strange and unique, but they all fit together in a fabric that made the stories flow easily into each other.

The nine authors collected together in Strange Brew contributed short stories from their larger series, but they were easily accessible if you have not read the greater series (as I hadn’t for the majority). They are a window into another world that encourages you to jump in, feet first, something that I, for one, intend to do!

<- Dark Sins Review Seeing Eye Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Seeing Eye by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

strange-brew

Title: Seeing Eye
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Alpha & Omega #0.4, Mercy-verse #5
In: Shifting Shadows (Patricia Briggs) & Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Ace fantasy & St Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: He was right.

Synopsis

In “Seeing Eye” by Patricia Briggs, a blind witch helps sexy werewolf Tom Franklin find his missing brother–and helps him in more ways than either of them ever suspected.

Thoughts

A great and fascinating short story – and a wonderful pre-introduction into the Alpha & Omega series. Moira and Tom’s meeting is a great way to not only introduce new characters into the Mercy-verse setting, but also provide more information to the world of witchcraft. The idea of White and Black Witches is a complex issue that is introduced in Cry Wolf, and, although the terror of a Black Witch is beautifully displayed, the ability of a very powerful White Witch such as Moira was a great new angle with which to explore Briggs’ intense and intricate world.

I love that both Moira and Tom are physically scarred and, to most, terrifying on the eyes – but, their ability to look past that (at least in Tom’s case) was incredibly sweet. This ability to love and care for one another in spite of all fits in beautifully with the rest of this series. I am actually disappointed that thus far they haven’t played a larger part in the Mercy-verse series – maybe something that will be rectified in the future.

<- More Patricia BriggsAlpha & Omega ->

Image source: Goodreads

Death Warmed Over by Rachel Caine

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

strange-brew

Title: Death Warmed Over
Author: Rachel Caine
Series: Holly & Andrew #1
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Sam Twist wasn’t answering – not his phone, his cell, or his secret emergency number.

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Synopsis

A witch with a penchant for raising the dead, raises an old cowboy witch from the West.

Thoughts

The overarching message in this short story is that love can conquer all – even death. That is, if you have enough power to try. The concept and the story itself is incredibly sweet, and enough to make anyone believe in true love again.

I love Holly’s quiet strength and integrity throughout the piece – she doesn’t wish to re-raise those who are already deceased because of their potential torture and pain. Her unerring ability to do what is right and take care of Andy and the victims of horrific crimes shows her steely resolve and courage. But, it is her compassion and morality which make her such an admirable heroine, one that has made me want to jump further into the worlds of Rachel Caine.

Caine uses this short story beautifully to remind us that death is an integral part of our lives – without death, life doesn’t have the vibrancy and beauty that makes it worth living. Not only is messing with death and somebody’s afterlife seriously frowned upon, but it also can have some serious consequences, not only for the deceased, but those who tamper with it.

 <- Strange Brew Review Holly’s Balm Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Signatures of the Dead by Faith Hunter

Book Review, , , , , , , , ,

Overview

Blood in Her Veins

Title: Signatures of the Dead
Author: Faith Hunter
Series: Jane Yellowrock #0.7
In: Blood in Her Veins by Faith Hunter, Have Stakes, Will Travel by Faith Hunter & Strange Brew edited by P.N. Elrod
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Animagus, Dark fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Roc, Roc & St Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: It could only be used in clear life-and-death situations.

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Synopsis

Jane Yellowrock, her best friend Molly Trueblood, an earth witch, police detective Paul “Brax” Braxton, and Molly’s husband Evan go after a blood-family of rogue-vampires who killed a local family.

Thoughts

Molly is a fantastic contrast to Jane, and telling the tale of Jane’s most successful vampire hunt through her eyes was refreshing and a very unique way to tell a new tale. Likewise, such a horrifyingly difficult hunt and journey was softened through Molly’s voice. Her ability to sense the dead and feel what they felt made the tale more tender and the deaths of the victims more tragic.

I read this short story after reading Skinwalker, so finding out more about the battle that put Jane on the map (so to speak), was fascinating and enjoyable. It also drove home the prowess and power of Jane in battle; she isn’t soft and is completely fearless and ruthless in battle.

<- HaintsMake it Snappy ->

Image source: Goodreads