A feline PI has found the victim of a murder. The only catch? He’s still alive, and the woman who is going to help him can’t talk to her feline assistant…
I both liked this short story and felt a bit “meh” about it. Nothing in particular, but I didn’t dive head first into this short story like I did with Snow Job. Maybe because I didn’t find the voice of narration as relatable. Probably because he was a he… and a cat.
One of the things I really enjoyed was the idea of finding a
murder victim… who was still alive. A vampire, the undead who couldn’t quite
explain who had attacked him and started the process of death upon his life. I
also liked that he had seven women in his life who could all have a motive to
save him… or be the cause of his demise. It was kind of cute and sweet how
different each relationship was and how he managed to care for and act a
different part for the different women.
I bought Dancing with Werewolves ages ago after reading Snow Job, after reading this short story, I feel that it could be necessary to pick this up and actually read it. instead of letting it decorate my shelves…
Robin Green is a virgin and a scientist. But, when her newest research subject is an irresistible selkie, she might just be willing to give up anything for the temptation of being near him.
I don’t really know
how I felt about this short story. I liked the idea, but since it was the first
story in a collection of paranormal romance tales, I was expecting something a
little more lustful and a lot less…well, pathetic. I wish I had a better word
for Robin Green, but mostly I just found her pathetic. And kind of irritating.
I’m hoping that I meet her again later in the series so that I can improve my
opinion of her.
The idea of
supernatural beings in a secret government research facility, not being treated
as humans is not in the least bit surprising. After all, history is rife with similar
activities against minority groups. And, even though this is a fantasy, it
still made me incredibly uncomfortable. Which I suppose is the aim of the
story. Or at least, one of the aims. The whole woman running away with a selkie
was probably more so the point…
I still haven’t read any of the novels in the Kitty Norville series, but, yet again, reading a short story set in that world has made me itch to pick up the series and immerse myself in a whole new world.
Title: The Book of Daniel Author: Carrie Vaughn Series: Kitty Norville #0.1 In: Kitty’s Greatest Hits (Carrie Vaughn) Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Werewolves Dates read: 12th July 2019 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Tor Year: 2011 5th sentence, 74th page: Daniel started from a nightmare, his eyes growing wide all at once, his breathing fast and panicked.
Daniel is the right hand man of the king. But people are jealous, and their jealousy could get him killed. If he didn’t have a secret that will help him survive.
I normally don’t love stories that have a Christian
connotation. Something about going to a Lutheran high school and being exposed
to WAY too much of the faith for my comfort. But this story was the perfect
amount of Christianity and paranormal fantasy. The more I read stories like
this, the more my prejudices seem to be wiped away, or at least lessened.
When I first started getting into paranormal fantasy stories, I thought that werewolves were the paranormal creature that I loved the most (probably has something / a lot to do with the Mercedes Thompson series). But the more I read of this genre, the more obscure and fun creatures I find to fall in love with. And feline shapeshifters are at the top of that list. Which just makes Daniel kind of amazing, as this is his secret power.
The Book of Daniel takes you to a completely different world. One that existed centuries ago, before any of us were born, and even before our grandparents were a glint in their parents’ eyes. I’m not sure how this short story relates into the greater Kitty Norville series, but it certainly adds an extra layer of world building and makes me more than eager to get my nose stuck in this series.
Title: Dead Witch Walking Author: Kim Harrison Series: The Hollows #1 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy Dates read: 15th June – 2nd July 2019 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Harper Voyager Fiction Year: 2004 5th sentence, 74th page: “Piscary’s.”
All the creatures of the night gather in “the Hollows” of Cincinnati, to hide, to prowl, to party… and to feed.
Vampires rule the darkness in a predator-eat-predator world rife with dangers beyond imagining – and it’s Rachel Morgan’s job to keep that world civlized.
A bounty hunter and witch with serious sex appeal and an attitude, she’ll bring ’em back alive, dead… or undead.
I’ve been hanging to start this book for quite a while. There is just something which draws you in about the idea of The Hollows and Rachel Morgan. Plus, I kind of needed a storyline with a little bit of sass and attitude. I’ve been reading too many cutsey stories lately, and they were starting to grate on me a little. So Rachel’s gumption, sass and independence was exactly what I wanted to read, though tearing myself away from her adventures at night before bed was incredibly difficult.
Kalamack is one of the most hated villains I’ve ever read. Like, I’ve actually never wanted to reach through the pages of a book more and strangle a guy. And that was when I read The Turn. So I was both excited and disappointed to find him appearing again in this story, which takes place over forty years after the original story. I was really, really hoping that Rachel was going to take him out… although the fact that he wasn’t really the villain in this story kind of made it a little exciting as well. He was just another obstacle in the way, and his power-hungry ways are sure to continue messing with the people of The Hollows as the series unfolds.
I’ve read a few of the novellas in this series, and the
prequel novel. And even though I really enjoyed them, they weren’t anything
compared to the actual series featuring Rachel. It was everything that I look
for in an urban fantasy and I can see myself sinking into many of these stories
whenever I need a good paranormal fix. This entire novel is filled with highs
and lows, every time you think you can relax, a new obstacle is thrown in the
way. Which of course makes it almost impossible to put down and one of those
stories that I will enjoy reading again and again.
Harry Dresden investigates how to lift a curse laid by the Fair Folk on the Chicago Cubs.
Baseball isn’t
really my thing. Nor is it something that I’ve ever understood. Probably has
something to do with being Australian and not really having many baseball
players in the vicinity. But I still know that the Cubs are quite famous for
not winning and having a loyal fan base. It seems to come up a lot in American
TV, movies and books…
I love that this
short story takes something that is so large in popular culture and gives it a
beautiful, supernatural spin. It’s a great start to a collection of urban
fantasy stories which I’m sure are going to get darker, grittier and far more
fun as the tales unfold. It certainly started this book off with a great bang.
One that made it kind of hard to put these stories down and get back to working
like a real adult.
I was expecting a story in which Harry swings in and saves the day again. In this case, helps to unravel the curse on the Cubs and help them finally win the finals (or whatever they’re called). It didn’t quite work out like that, and I loved the change from routine that this indicates. The slight change from the typical trope. Which is probably why I love the Dresden series in the first place.
For the first time in print, six wild and steamy tales from three of today’s hottest paranormal and steampunk romance authors.
The Blushing Bounder by Meljean Brook – While the search for a killer puts Constable Newberry’s life in danger, he faces a danger of another kind: to his heart, by the woman forced to marry him. What will it take for this prudish bounder to convince his wife to stay?
Vixen by Jessica Sims – Miko’s denied her were-fox nature for far too long and turned her back on her vixen heritage. But when she meets two very sexy cat-shifters, she has to decide if she truly wants to give up on her frisky side, or embrace it. Because the were-fox in her doesn’t want to choose between both men… it wants them both.
Kitten-Tiger & the Monk by Carolyn Crane – Sophia Sidway, Midcity’s most dangerous memory revisionist, seeks out the mysterious Monk in the wasteland beneath the Tangle turnpike, hoping for redemption… but it turns out that the Monk is not all that pious, and the turnpike is no turnpike at all.
These lovers create their own heat, even when surrounded by ice…
Speed Mating by Jessica Sims – Estrella may be going into heat, but she’s determined to remain in control. Just because she’s ovulating doesn’t mean she has to settle for just any man (or his beast). Her sexy alpha’s determined to find her a tiger to take care of her heat and father her child… but no one seems to look quite as good as the man in charge. Will giving in to her need for her alpha ruin her tenuous relationship with her clan or be a match made in heaven?
Conjuring Max by Carolyn Crane – The witches of the world ridiculed nerdy Veronica for trying to use newfangled computers to enhance old world spellcasting. Well, it’s 1984 now, and she’s perfected her spellcasting computer program. Hey, who needs friends when you can conjure virtually anything… or anybody? So when Veronica makes powerful new enemies, she conjures Max, a pitbull of a cop, to deal with the pesky hitmen who keep coming around. But tough-guy Max is in no mood to play lapdog to a gorgeous witch.
Wrecked by Meljean Brook – Elizabeth has spent the past five years running from her father; her father’s huntsman, Caius, has spent the past five years pursuing her. But when he finally catches up to her on an airship flying above Europe’s zombie-infested cities, Elizabeth discovers that Caius isn’t the only danger she has to fear – and now that he’s found her, Caius doesn’t intend to let her go.
This was one of those great collections that had a really
wide array of stories under the heading of paranormal romance. From incredibly
erotic shapeshifter stories to tales of steampunk piracy across the worlds. Every
moment of these six novellas are steamy, warm and full of passion. And of
course, a little intrigue to make it impossible to put down.
Although I already knew Meljean Brook’s works, I loved being introduced to her new (to me) Iron Seas series. Which has kind of given me a new obsession – steampunk romance. But, there is another three new series that are featured in these novellas, which have now all been happily added to my wishlist in the hopes for a future time when I have some more cash.
This was one of those fun and easy reads which I will be
picking up again and again. The stories are just fun and easy. Kind of cute.
And a pleasure to read.
Title: Percy Jackson: The Ultimate Guide Author: Rick Riordan Series: Percy Jackson & the Olympians Companion Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Easy reading, Greek mythology, Urban fantasy Dates read: 5th – 14th June 2019 Pace: Slow Format: Collection Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Year: 2010 5th sentence, 74th page: The symbol of Hades is a helmet which helped him to stay invisible.
It’s the handbook no half-blood should be without: a fully illustrated, in-depth guide to gods, monsters, and all things Percy. This novelty companion to the best-selling series comes complete with trading cards, full-color diagrams, and maps, all packaged in a handy, “manual-size” POB with a crisp, magnetic flap enclosure.
This is a quick, easy read. A great little companion to the rest of the Percy Jackson series, but not one that I’m likely to want to pick up again and again. It was just a cute little overview of Greek mythology. And since I’ve read many other books on the Greek pathos, this was a little too PG for my tastes.
The pictures and fun little cards at the beginning of the book helped to completely immerse yourself in the world that Riordan wanted to take me to. I used to love books that acted as a how-to guides, ones that helped you think the storyline was real. That it was completely plausible and possible that these gods, beasts and creatures walk among us every day.
Although I really enjoyed reading this book, there really
isn’t much to say about it. It’s one of those experiences that makes you smile,
but you won’t remember forever. Which is good, because in years to come, I can
pick this up again and enjoy the experience all over again.
Ivy and vampire Art are partners on homicide case for Inderland Security.
Ivy’s framing of Art is mentioned a number of times in the Hollowsgraphic novels, and Dead Witch Walking. Enough so that I was intensely interested in the why, the how and the every single moment of why she would do such a thing. Especially considering it is so at odds with the character that I’m steadily falling in love with as I read my first full length novel in the series. This novella explains her motives absolutely perfectly.
Normally I will read a novella in less than an hour. One sitting that will leave me with a smile on my face. Because this tale dealt with the darker side of Ivy and her bloodlust, I didn’t just read it cover to cover. Rather, I found that I’d read two chapters, then have to put it down. Harrison’s ability to bring her characters to shocking reality made my heart ache every moment that I spent in this world. In the best way possible.
One of the aspects of vampirism that seems to continuously come up in the stories that I read is their love of politics. Undead in the Garden of Good and Evil shows the depths and complexity of this. In a quite brutal manner. But, since I’m not the kind of person who generally feels comfortable with politics, it also drew me in completely – no consequences.
You can’t tell the story of how it all began for supernatural cops Ivy Tamwood and Rachel Morgan without telling how it all nearly ended. The fiery living vampire and erstwhile earth witch never asked to be paired up in the first place. And having to work Inderland Security’s crummiest beat—busting two-bit paranormal street punks—sure didn’t sweeten the deal. But when it counts, Ivy and Rachel always have each other’s backs. They’d better—because someone just hung targets on both of them.
It doesn’t take a hotshot homicide detective to know that nearly getting flattened by a falling gargoyle or impaled by a lead pipe aren’t on-the-job accidents. But it doesn’t seem possible that the class of crooks Ivy and Rachel routinely collar could kill anything but brain cells. So who put Cincinnati’s tough and tender twosome on their “to do in” list? Is Ivy’s vampire master, the powerful and seductive Piscary, jealous of her growing bloodlust (and just plain lust) for Rachel? Or have forces unknown—living or undead—made the partners prey in a deadly witch (and vampire) hunt?
Before this case is cracked, Ivy and Rachel will face down vicious dogs, speeding locomotives, rogue bloodsuckers, and their own dark desires; spells will be cast and blood will be spilled; and Kim Harrison’s hair-raising, heart-racing, dark urban world of magic and monsters will leap howling from the pages of her second electrifying, full-color graphic novel.
I finished off Blood Work feeling really tense. Although I know that Ivy and Rachel must have a good, ongoing relationship after this first case, I still was seriously concerned for Rachel’s health. Blood Crime helped to continue on this origin story where you understand a little more of Ivy’s obsession and dark past. It also highlighted the strength of Rachel and the potential fun and sass of future cases.
The vivid imagery throughout this graphic novel completely swept
me away. As did the total darkness of the storyline. Obsessive love is
constantly featured. Actually I wouldn’t even really call it love. Just
obsession. An obsession that is all consuming and seriously not healthy. I
expected it from Piscray. I didn’t expect Ivy to mimic and mirror many of these
emotions. Alright, Ivy’s thoughts and feelings came from a much nicer place,
but they’re still totally not okay, and kind of seriously creepy.
The crime story throughout this is kind of interesting. But the part that I loved most about this was the darkness. The revealing of the damaging relationships between vampires and the ways in which there is constant abuse. It was completely blood curdling. Yet when I started reading Dead Witch Walking, I was ten times more committed to the characters within the first page.
Melanie doesn’t really understand why she is in this compound. What happened to her parents, and why the teachers aren’t allowed to touch them. Until she finally does understand. And then things start to get a little… hectic.
I really thought that this story was going to have a much,
much happier ending. I thought that Melanie would be able to find a new family,
a world beyond her restraints. It didn’t end like that. And it didn’t make me
think that she had a happily ever after. But I still completely loved this
story. In a way, the not-so-happy ending made me love the story even more than
I would have if Melanie got her happily-ever-after.
The idea of zombies only slowly filtered through into the story as you turned the pages. It wasn’t something that I immediately picked up on, and really wasn’t until the final few pages that I realised that this short story firmly sits into this shelf. And, with many short stories that surprise me and make me ridiculously happy, I was incredibly disappointed that this story wasn’t part of a bigger series… so I’ll just have to find something else written by Mike Carey to add to my ever-growing collection.
For such a short story, this tale deals with a few issues.
For starters, what do you do with the children of zombies? If they share the
horrific bloodlust and insanity of their parents, we’re kind of screwed, but
you know… they’re children. The issues surrounding abortions are also touched
upon (a law is passed banning abortions, which leaves the apocalypse survivors
with a SERIOUS issue). And, finally, how do you treat the different? Alright,
these different kids have the potential to eat your face off. But, the way that
they’re treated really isn’t okay either.
Earth and Skye 