This is a story that starts with a dead horse… and steadily goes downhill.
I love that this weird western story includes the origins story of vampires. As in, the Judas origins story. I’m not really sure why… but I always love when this mythos is included in any kind of story. Partnering that with a western? It worked ridiculously well.
Although I enjoyed this story because of the content, I didn’t necessarily love the writing style. I found it a little disjointed and unapproachable. And a little hard to follow at times. Yet, I did really enjoy the storyline. So I found it hard to be frustrated by the style of writing when I was drawn in by the content.
This is a story that starts with a dead horse. That has had a pole flung through it’s brain. And that is the least violent moment throughout. It just steadily gets bloodier and bloodier. Which is exactly what a western should be… or at least, a weird western that features a vampire risen from the dead…
Gabriel is beginning to make his way in the world of criminal defense. But this latest case, featuring the orange cat is just a little bit unique… Cainsville kind of unique.
I like this short story that revisited Gabriel as an adult. You find out so much about his childhood in previous short stories, but, considering I’m convinced he’ll be an adult in Omens, I liked that there was a little bit more about him as he’s making his first forays into the adult world. The fact that it was done in a quite funny manner, with a bit of a sadistic twist… well, of course I enjoyed that all the more.
In all of the Cainsville short stories that I’ve read so far, one of the common re occurrences is karma, paying your debts, etc. The fact that this story uses an orange cat that just won’t stay away, can’t be killed and is pretty damn single-minded was quite intriguing and somewhat clever. It kept with the theme that I have found so far, but managed to make it a lot funnier – after all, who would have thought that a cat could cause that much damage?
The more short stories I read in this series, the more keen I am to start reading Omens. And, luckily, this is the last short story that stakes place before the activities in Omens, so now I get to read that novel to my heart’s content…
Patrick has never wanted to do much publicity. But, when his new publicists manages to outmanoeuvre him, he decides to go along with her schemes. Until he realises that they may just not be her schemes…
It was nice to revisit Patrick and his shenanigans after reading Devil May Care. Particularly when you know that he is integral to this whole idea of a future that could impact all of the fae camps and the world as they know it. It highlights the reason why he’s obviously stayed away from Gabriel up until this point, and the ways in which the fae are already moving about in this world…
There may be no such thing as bad publicity, but there is such thing as a bad publicity experience. Particularly when the poor individual who organised it all ends up being just a bit of a pleb. One that is pushy. And driven. But still just ends up being a pawn in a greater battle. I like that even though Patrick is annoyed at the fact that she’s the instigator, he still honours her gumption and drive. It was a nice way to end this short story.
Bad Publicity is a little light and humorous. But it is also a great reminder of the more traditional role that the fae seem to be able to play in the Cainsville series… that of tricksters, predators and the slightly envious. Beings which always pay their dues and find a way to get their own. Regardless of the consequences to others.
Gabriel loves his visits back to Cainsville every holiday. And this one is going to be extra special – he’s finally going to find that final gargoyle!
There are few books I’ve read that feature gargoyles. And, honestly, whenever I do read any mention of them, I think of the gargoyles from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Because you know, they’re some of my favourite Disney sidekicks. The gargoyles in this story though really aren’t as funny and fun as the ones in Disney.
I read this short story straight off the back of Devil May Care. Which was excellent timing. After all, Gabriel’s beginnings are a little dark and you seriously hope that he gets a bit of a happily ever after. This doesn’t actually provide that in the slightest. But it does show the strength and gumption that the young boy has. It also has a great hint of the secrets of Cainsville throughout.
Finding gargoyles that constantly move in a town enmeshed in secrets sounds like exactly the kind of thing that I would have loved as a child. It made me wish that this town, which feels fairly dark actually exists. The fact that Gabriel is already a young boy on his own hints at the kind of man he is going to become. And I for one, can’t wait to meet him in Omens.
Patrick has always enjoyed being footloose and uncaring about the responsibilities he should have. But a mysterious fae has sent him running back to Cainsville. And no matter how hard he fights, the future is going to have it’s own way.
When I first bought Omens, I didn’t realise that there was a fae aspect to the storyline. Or at least, not one that is very strong. I just loved past works by Kelley Armstrong, so figured that I would get some more of her books. And then I realised that there was a whole slew of short stories that take place before Omens. So I figured I had better read those too. And, honestly, it wasn’t until this short story that I understood how much of an impact the fae were going to have on this story.
I loved the introduction of Patrick in this story. He is everything that I imagine when I think of a puckish, trickster-like fae. He keeps a balance and makes sure that he repays all of his debts. He pursues his own interests and pleasure, regardless of what other people think or want to know about his life. And he DOES NOT want any responsibility – so the fact that he is embroiled in a pretty major prophecy, one that is filled with responsibility… it’s pretty damn good.
There was something that was surprisingly fun about this dark little origins story. And it is the very epitome of origins stories – the story of how a character I’m going to assume will be very important is bought into the world. And the horrible characters which will be a huge part of their lives…
Title: Trick of the Light Author: Rob Thurman Series: Trickster #1 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Mythology, Tricksters, Urban fantasy Dates read: 16th – 18th May 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Roc Fantasy Year: 2009 5th sentence, 74th page: It was new.
An underground chamber is exposed in a seedy, dilapidated house. In the dark cellar, a ritualistic display is revealed: a human skull rests on a cauldron, surrounded by slain chickens and bizarre figurines.
Called to the scene is forensic anthropologist Dr Temperance Brennan. She determines that the skull is that of a young, black female. But how and when did she die? Just as Tempe is closing in on answers, another body is discovered: a headless corpse carved with Satanic symbols.
As local vigilantes begin a witch-hunt, Tempe struggles to contain her emotions. But the eventual truth proves more shocking than even she could have imagined.
This has been sitting on my shelf for ages, waiting to be read. Now I’m seriously not sure as to why it took me this damn long to read I love trickster stories. I love tales where all is not as it seems… and this novel managed to combine both of those loves in one gorgeous, neat, little package. One that left me feeling very happy and seriously irritated that I have no other Rob Thurman books on my shelves…
I had already read Snakeskin, a short story about Trixa before I picked up this novel. Which, in hindsight, was a little bit annoying. Because although I think I may have guessed at the twist reveal at the end… I didn’t actually get to guess. The reality of Trixa’s world was already stated very clearly in Snakeskin and made those final moments a little less exciting. Although, there was still a great reveal that I hadn’t quite expected…. Which made me quite happy.
I knew that I was going to love Trixa in this story because of the short story I’d read in the past. What I wasn’t sure of was the supporting cast and storyline that drove along the battles that were faced. Zeke and Griffin are just amazing – I did like Zeke a whole lot more, but I seriously love the tragically flawed characters anyway. Leo is also amazing, but since Zeke and Griffin are in this a whole lot more, it’s their journey and confusion that I appreciate so much. Especially as their past comes out more and more as the tale unfolds.
Trick of the Light is amazing, it is one of the few trickster stories that I’ve read which truly encompasses the idea of a trickster. A being that isn’t good or bad. Isn’t malicious or benevolent. But, rather something in between. A character that is entirely about balance. That has no sides but their own. And that you really just can’t help but love, although, maybe, hope that you don’t quite meet one…
Title: How the Marquis Got His Coat Back Author: Neil Gaiman Series: London Below, the World of Neverwhere #1.5 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Science fiction, Urban fantasy Dates read: 20th April 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: headline Year: 2014 5th sentence, 74th page: What’s it say?
A Neverwhere short story from one of the brightest, most brilliant writers of our generation – the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of the award-winning The Ocean At the End of the Lane.
The coat. It was elegant. It was beautiful. It was so close that he could have reached out and touched it.
And it was unquestionably his.
After reading Neverwhere, I felt completely, intensely, happily complete. It is just one of those stories that you turn the final page and just go… wow. And then break out into a HUGE smile. What I didn’t really think about though was that the Marquis had lost his coat. And, well, really anything much about the Marquis because he wasn’t my most or least favourite character. And then I found this short story at the back of my novel…
One of the most potent things that this short story did for me was to actually make me like the Marquis so much more. He wasn’t one dimensional or anything in Neverwhere, but I didn’t feel any tight emotional connection to him. Not a positive one. And not a negative one. But, showing a little of how he became the Marquis and why made me feel a lot more bonded to him than I had anticipated. It was certainly a pleasant and surprising outcome of such a short story.
The other aspect of this story that I really loved because of the illumination it provided was the Shepherds of Shepherds Bush (I THINK I got that right). It’s mentioned in Neverwhere that you don’t want to meet the Shepherds. And now I completely understand why. Although, I still found it an incredibly fun adventure actually getting to meet them anyway!!!
Title: Neverwhere Author: Neil Gaiman Series: London Below, The World of Neverwhere #1 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Science fiction, Urban fantasy Dates read: 12th – 20th April 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: headline Year: 1996 5th sentence, 74th page: Oh yes.
Under the streets of London lies a world most people could never dream of.
When Richard Mayhew helps a mysterious girl he finds bleeding on the pavement, his boring life changes in an instant. Her name is Door, she’s on the run from two assassins in black suits and she comes from London Below.
His act of kindness leads him to a place filled with monsters and angels, a Beast in a labyrinth and an Earl who holds Court in a Tube train.
It is strangely familiar yet utterly bizarre.
As with all Neil Gaiman books, I have heard nothing but good things about this novel. And I bought a special edition in a sale because it was illustrated… which always makes me happy. What I didn’t expect was that this would quickly become my favourite Neil Gaiman book. There is just something so wonderful and fantastic about this story… it’s impossible to forget. And, honestly, why would you want to? I think that the world of London Below is the kind of place I’d be happy living in… for about 5 minutes, and then I’d die…
As an adult, there is one question that I keep coming up against… what is life about? What is it that I want out of my life? Richard doesn’t quite know that these are the questions he’s asking himself, but from the very beginning it is obvious that he isn’t quite living the life that he wants to live. He’s completely lost. Kind of untethered and, honestly, enough to pluck at your heartstrings. And then he meets Door and he is thrust into a whole other level of shit. But, one that actually leaves him feeling like there’s something interesting in life. And, honestly, isn’t that all that we each want? SOMETHING in life that makes it worth living?
There are so many wonderfully intense things about the storyline of Neverwhere. But what I love the most is the world that Gaiman has created. It is a little too easy to imagine London Below sitting just beneath our feet everyday. It makes me wonder what the version of this world would be down in Australia. There are so many brilliant little, intricate moments of change and difference that I just can’t even comprehend. So many brilliant little ideas that seem so damn obvious now that I’ve read them… but at the time, seemed completely, ridiculously far-fetched… I just love the dark, twisted world that Gaiman has created. It’s not the sunshine and daisies version of an urban fantasy world that I normally come across in my books…
Neverwhereis one of the most enthralling and astonishing books I’ve read in a while. It’s not one that you can’t put down (for which I was glad, because I don’t want to do nothing all day). But it is one that will stick with me, and whoever reads it for a long time after they turn that final page. It is an amazing journey, a great story and filled with characters that are loveable – even when they’re the villains.
Title: Firewalker Author: Allyson James Series: Stormwalker #2 Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Dragons, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Urban fantasy Dates read: 12th April 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Berkley Sensation Year: 2010 5th sentence, 74th page: The bartender came back in.
Janet Begay’s Crossroads Hotel has attracted the supernatural from the day it opened. Witches, Changers, and a mouthy magic mirror have decided to make it their home. But a new, dark power is rising – this time inside Janet herself.
Her boyfriend, Mick, a sexy dragon shape-shifter the Navajo call a Firewalker, knows what terrifying magic is threatening to overwhelm Janet and her Stormwalker powers. He watches over her, ready to fight for her, to do anything to keep her safe.
But then a mysterious corpse is found near the Crossroads Hotel – and Janet becomes Sheriff Nash Jones’s main suspect. Trouble is, even she can’t be sure she didn’t do it. Now Janet and Mick must uncover what really happened, and their investigation leads to the most perilous decision of their lives: Mick must choose between protecting his own people or guarding Janet, the woman he loves, from the many forces amassing against her.
I read this whole book cover to cover in one night. I should have been sleeping, but I was completely hooked and couldn’t quite put it down. There was just something about Janet’s battle against herself and trying to figure out who she was that made it impossible to put down. Kind of heart wrenching in places and an amazing journey.
After the big reveal about Mick’s identity in Stormwalker, I didn’t think that there would be many more surprises from that quarter. I was wrong though. Although there were no large reveals, but so many small little secrets that leaked out throughout this story. Created characters which were so much more multi-faceted and intense than before. Which I wasn’t entirely sure was possible…
There are a lot of supernatural battles that go on throughout this story – but the part that I like best? The message that you need to find a way to accept yourself. More particularly, accepting all aspects of yourself. For Janet, this is a pretty big deal when everyone around her is telling her that there is something seriously wrong with her and that she needs to just completely shut down a part of herself. I love that even though all this pressure is on her, she find a way to still be true to herself and maintain a sense of dignity.
After an amazing start to a great new series, sometimes the second book can fall a little flat. That’s most definitely not the case with Firewalker, this was a brilliant, amazing and intense journey. One that I absolutely loved and just didn’t want to put down. Yet, now I have to wait “patiently” for the next books to arrive at my doorstep.
Title: Stormwalker Author: Allyson James Series: Stormwalker #1 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Dragons, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Urban fantasy Dates read: 29th March – 5th April 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Berkley Sensation Year: 2010 5th sentence, 74th page: I was too tired to answer, too tired to aruge, but I couldn’t deny that I’d missed him too.
Janet Begay is a Stormwalker, capable of wielding the raw elemental power of nature’s tempests – a power that threatens to overwhelm her. Only her lover, Mick, a dark-haired, blue-eyed biker, is able to siphon off her excess energy and calm the storm raging within her – even as their passion reaches unimaginable heights of ecstasy.
Janet and Mick have come to the desert town of Magellan to investigate the mysterious disappearance of the police chief’s daughter. The barren land around it is full of vortexes, the gateways that connect the human world with the mystical realm of Beneath, and after encountering skin-walkers and receiving hints from a shape-shifting coyote and a smart-ass magic mirror, Janet fears that her own powerful, scary-as-hell mother is involved.
She’s also uncertain about Mick. He can wield fire and never get burned, and Janet can’t seem to touch him with her storm powers. But Janet must trust him, since she and Mick find themselves venturing where no human can survive alone – and only together can they overcome the greatest danger they’ve ever faced.
I’ve been trying to get around to this book for a very long time. And now… wow. It is amazing and unforgettable. Completely unputdownable and just… awesome. I only read a few pages when I first started it, then got distracted. And then, when I picked it up again… I finished the rest of it in one day. Luckily, we’re at the start of quarantine, so I didn’t have to feel too bad about shoving my nose into a book for that long…
Janet is everything I didn’t know I needed in a lead female – she is of Native American descent (which I very rarely come across), has a mother from hell (literally) and some serious boy complications. Yet, in amongst all of that, she finds a way to be herself. She’s not as sassy as some of the other lead women that I’ve loved… but she has this sense of self that I just couldn’t get over. She’s determined to do what’s right and find a way to live her life, even if it’s the more difficult decision. There is something incredibly inspiring and heartfelt about her approach to life, and I think I need to take a few leaves out of her book – I don’t need to be sassy and tough, just find a way to be sure of myself.
Sadly, I had already read Double Hexed before I picked up this novel. Although, it is the reason why I bought Stormwalkerin the first place. Regardless, because I’d already read a novella further in the series, I already knew exactly what Mick was. It didn’t take away a bit of the wow factor when the final reveal occurred at the end. But, it did still work well. After all, a lot of the angst in Janet and Mick’s relationship throughout the story is based around the idea that Mick refuses to tell her the full truth. And, to be honest, there were still a few shockers in the big reveal anyway.
Stormwalker is a fantastic first book of a series! I only have Firewalkeron my shelves, but the moment I finish this review, I’m going to start on it… this is just such a great series and I absolutely adored every moment of it! I am really looking forward to finding out more about the relationships between Janet, Mick, and their annoying, sexual deviant companions the Magic Mirror and Coyote.
Earth and Skye 