Tag Archives: Urban Fantasy

Blood Debt by Jeanne C. Stein

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Hexed

Title: Blood Debt
Author: Jeanne C. Stein
Series: Anna Strong Chronicles #6.5
In: Hexed (Ilona Andrews, Yasmine Galenorn, Allyson James & Jeanne C. Stein)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 23rd January 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: I still can’t shake the idea that watching Stephen and I dance around each other, feeling the attraction, fighting it, would have been his idea of a joke.

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Synopsis

From national bestselling author Jeanne C. Stein comes “Blood Debt,” in which bounty-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

Most of the time, when I find novellas in a short story collection, they stand up fantastically on their own. Sometimes you even forget that they are part of a greater series. This isn’t quite like that. It is a tale all about the repercussions of a crime obviously committed in a previous story. That’s not to say that this wasn’t a ridiculously enjoyable novella, but it was one that I constantly felt like I needed to have read about the original “crime” to fully understand what was happening.

I really like the idea of a bounty-hunter-turned-vampire and I can’t wait to get my grubby little hands onto this series. It sounds like one that is going to pull you in straight away. And that isn’t with the consideration of the idea of being the Chosen One. Again, I need to actually read the series to completely understand this, but Stein did a very good job of outlining all of the background information enough to not make me feel completely lost and confused.

Unlike the rest of the novellas in this collection, Blood Debt had a bit of a love connection. It had this fun budding relationship that makes you want to yell out loud in joy as the story concludes. Now I just have to find the time and money for the rest of this series… I want to see how the couple develops!

<- Double HexedHexed ->

Image source: Ilona Andrews

A History of Magic by J.K. Rowling

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for harry potter a history of magic book cover

Title: Harry Potter: A History of Magic
Author: J.K. Rowling & Others
Series: Harry Potter Illustrated Editions Companion
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Illustrated, Urban fantasy, Witches
Dates read: 19th November 2018 – 2nd January 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Non-fictional text
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: Harry, Ron and Hermione left the castle together, crossed the vegetable patch and made for the greenhouses, where the magical plants were kept.

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Synopsis

Harry Potter: A History of Magic is the official book of the exhibition, a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between Bloomsbury, J.K. Rowling and the brilliant curators of the British Library. It promises to take readers on a fascinating journey through the subjects studied at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – from Alchemy and Potions classes through to Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures. Each chapter showcases a treasure trove of artefacts from the British Library and other collections around the world, beside exclusive manuscripts, sketches and illustrations from the Harry Potter archive. There’s also a specially commissioned essay for each subject area by an expert, writer or cultural commentator, inspired by the contents of the exhibition – absorbing, insightful and unexpected contributions from Steve Backshall, the Reverend Richard Coles, Owen Davies, Julia Eccleshare, Roger Highfield, Steve Kloves, Lucy Mangan, Anna Pavord and Tim Peake, who offer a personal perspective on their magical theme. Readers will be able to pore over ancient spell books, amazing illuminated scrolls that reveal the secret of the Elixir of Life, vials of dragon’s blood, mandrake roots, painted centaurs and a genuine witch’s broomstick, in a book that shows J.K. Rowling’s magical inventions alongside their cultural and historical forebears. This is the ultimate gift for Harry Potter fans, curious minds, big imaginations, bibliophiles and readers around the world who missed out on the chance to see the exhibition in person.

Thoughts

I bought this because my sister wanted it and it had something to do with Harry Potter. Mostly because it had something to do with Harry Potter… I have a sickness.

And I’m really glad that I did. This was an incredibly interesting and engaging alternate look into the world-famous world created by J.K. Rowling. And as someone who couldn’t get to this great exhibit in England (you know, being that I’m in Australia and all), it was a great way to imagine really being there.

I love the intertwining of history and fantasy in anything that I read. The modern day with ancient mythologies. So the idea of a book all about these combinations and a world that I am more than a little obsessed with… it worked perfectly for my happy, geeky little brain.

 <- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them ReviewThe Tales of Beedle the Bard Review ->
Image source: Bloomsbury

Double Hexed by Allyson James

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Hexed

Title: Double Hexed
Author: Allyson James
Series: Stormwalker #2.5
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: Strong women, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 18th January 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: I just wanted someone to talk to.

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Synopsis

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”.

Thoughts

I had no idea what to expect from this novella. I have never read anything by Allyson James and the blurb that accompanies the tale isn’t full of much information. So I basically started this completely blind. And it was so good that I found it impossible to put down. To the point that I was even reading this novella (and dying to finish it) while I was out for dinner and at a friend’s birthday…

This is very much characters in a bottle – take six supernatural characters, trap them in a hotel and then make all of their horrifying base urges come to light. I’ve read a few of these types of stories – ones that highlight the characters and basal human urges in a way that including the wider world wouldn’t allow. But, I haven’t read one that used a half-goddess, vampire-esque creature, trickster god and dragon when mixing up this bottle of characters. And that in and of itself made the story so much more enthralling and entertaining.

One of the things about this novella that I really enjoyed was the fact that although there is obviously a lot of back story (from the previous novels), it isn’t hard to follow the storyline. There is enough moments in which this backstory is filled in to make you feel like you’re not missing out on anything. And there’s just enough mystery in the story to make you want to pick up the first novels in this series…

<- FirewalkerShadow Walker ->

Image source: Ilona Andrews

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

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling & Jim Kay

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for the chamber of secrets limited edition illustrated book cover

Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Illustrated Edition
Author: J.K. Rowling & Jim Kay
Series: Harry Potter Illustrated Editions
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Illustrated, Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: Completely nonplussed, Harry said nothing.

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Synopsis

Prepare to be spellbound by Jim Kay’s dazzling full-colour illustrations in this stunning new collector’s edition of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. With paint, pencil and pixels, Kay conjures the wizarding world as we have never seen it before. Breathtaking scenes, dark themes and unforgettable characters – including Dobby and Gilderoy Lockhart – await inside as Harry and his friends, now in their second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, seek out a legendary chamber and the deadly secret that lies at its heart .

This beautiful, deluxe edition features an opulent page size and an exclusive pull-out double gatefold; intricate foiled line art by Jim Kay on the real cloth cover and slipcase; gilt edges on premium grade paper; head and tail bands and two ribbon markers – the ultimate must-have edition for any Potter fan, collector or bibliophile.

Thoughts

I don’t need to harp on about the beauty of the Harry Potter series – I’ve done that elsewhere, and, quite frankly – we all know. But reading the absolutely gorgeous illustrated edition of The Chamber of Secrets and having the ability to submerse myself in Kay’s beautiful reimaginings… it just added an extra level of amazingness to the entire franchise.

There was a slightly darker patina to the images in the second illustrated Harry Potter – which works, because this is a slightly darker storyline. Although, one of the things I love most about these illustrated versions is the fact that I can use them to show my partner (who doesn’t read) the beauty of the written world… much much much better than that of movies…

 <- The Philosopher’s Stone ReviewThe Prisoner of Azkaban Review ->
Image source: Bookdepository

Santa’s Mortuary by Heather Graham

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
A Fantastic Holiday Season

Title: Santa’s Mortuary
Author: Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #14.2
In: A Fantastic Holiday Season (Kevin J. Anderson & Keith J. Olexa)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: World Fire Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: It was amazing that their room – in the right wing of the building – could be so quiet and charming while all manner of activity went on in other parts of the house.

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Synopsis

It was amazing that their room – in the right wing of the building – could be so quiet and charming while all manner of activity went on in other parts of the house.

Thoughts

Christmas time is a time for love, family and laughter. Unless you are a slightly amorous ghost who is separated from the love of his life. Then it’s just a time of frustration and loss of love. And a potential way to ruin everyone else’s Christmas with your sense of loneliness.

Although Christmas is always toted to be a story of happiness, love and family, it is often a time of loneliness for some. I love that in a holiday story collection, there is a number of stories which feature this loneliness, including this Krewe of Hunters short story. And, I also love the fact that, like every good story, this one ends with a happy ending for all.

 <- A World Done In by Great Granny’s Grateful Pie ReviewYes, Virginia2097c, There is a Santa Claus Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Sleepless in Calgary by Kevin Cockle

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Evolve

Title: Sleepless in Calgary
Author: Kevin Cockle
In: Evolve (Nancy Kilpatrick)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Edge
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: David pulled his arms back then struck again.

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Synopsis

A chance meeting with a vampire no one else can see on his daily commute causes David to start seriously thinking about the way he’s living his life.

Thoughts

This short story took an exceptionally unexpected turn. I thought that the man would either be insane or turn into a vampire. And he kind of did… to both. But not even remotely in the way that I was expecting. Actually… it was kind of super weird and tripped out to be honest. Fun though. And it gave me a good little giggle.

I’ve read a number of stories and theories that feature the idea that we just have to all believe in something strong enough for it to become reality. Cockle is able to harness this idea in a way that was completely unexpected. And one that was quite humorous and twisted in and of itself.

 <- The Drinker ReviewCome to Me Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Moon is Drowning While I Sleep by Charles de Lint

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for snow white, blood red book cover

Title: The Moon is Drowning While I Sleep
Author: Charles de Lint
Series: Newford Companion
In: Snow White, Blood Red (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Signet
Year: 1993
5th sentence, 74th page: What needs to be done.

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Synopsis

Sophie keeps having dreams that feature the moon and passion. But, are they real, or just a figment of her imagination?

Thoughts

I actually read this twice before writing this review, each reading about a week apart. I loved it when I first read it, but there was something haunting in the refrain, and I couldn’t get it out of my head. Almost like it haunted my dreams as in the story. So I read it again, which helped to dispel that lingering feeling of haunting and confusion that was lingering around.

One of the things that I often love about fairy tales is the surreal beauty that permeates them. And de Lint was able to enhance this to the extreme. Using the iconic thematic sense of the moon and mixing this with dreamscapes and a desire to know oneself, there is a beauty and completely unreal feeling to this story. I loved the imagery, and it was because of this that I found it so hard to put down. And so easy to read twice in a row.

 <- Like a Red, Red Rose ReviewThe Frog Prince Review ->
Image source: Amazon

A Very Special Girl by Mike Resnick

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Blood Lite

Title: A Very Special Girl
Author: Mike Resnick
In: Blood Lite (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Horror, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Edge
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: He also is an occasional employee that I use when some goniff does not wish to honor his marker, and indeed he has just returned from Longshot Lamont’s, where I had sent him to collect the three large that Longshot Lamont bet on Auntie’s Panties to com ein first, and indeed the filly does come in first by seven lengths, but she comes in first in the eighth race after she goes to the post in the seventh race thirty minutes earlier.

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Synopsis

When a zombie debt collector decides to give his boss’ money away to his new beau, you know that things are about to go a little pear shaped. When his new girl is a little more twisted than expected… well, that’s a whole new story.

Thoughts

What happens when your not-so-smart muscle gives away the money he was supposed to be collecting for you? Well, in this comedy of errors, you find out one way to deal with it. And meet a very unique couple that is just feeling the first blossoms of love…

Throughout this entire short story things just steadily kept getting worse and worse. More and more incorrect and confusing… and I loved how it just steadily went downhill. Although this isn’t the most memorable of stories, the fact atht it is just a calamity of errors and poor judgement completely bespelled me. And even though I probably won’t be reading it again anytime soon, I certainly enjoyed my time in this world.

 <- Where Angels Fear to Tread ReviewLove Seat Solitaire Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling & Olivia Lomenech Gill

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for fantastic beasts illustrated limited edition book cover

Title: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Author: J.K. Rowling & Olivia Lomenech Gill
Series: Harry Potter Illustrated Editions
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Illustrated, Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: Many a Muggle child has been accused of vandalism when an offended Knarl was the real culprit.

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Synopsis

Famed Magizoologist Newt Scamander’s years of adventure and exploration have yielded a work of unparalleled importance, admired by scholars, devoured by young witches and wizards, and even made available to Muggles in the early years of this century. With this dazzling illustrated edition, readers can explore the magical fauna of five continents from the comfort of their own armchairs. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is essential reading at Hogwarts.

This new edition features the fully updated 2017 text includes new profiles of six magnificent beasts that inhabit North America and a new foreword by J.K. Rowling, writing as Newt Scamander.

Thoughts

I really enjoyed the first reading of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. So I was super, amazingly, ridiculously excited to read the illustrated and expanded edition. Actually, I was incredibly disappointed to finish this story. It was just so damn good.

I always enjoy companions and partners to series that I’m obsessed with. This is no different. But the amazing images by Olivia Gill… they just add an extra layer of… well… obsession to this. The images alone in this book would make me want to flick through it again and again and again. But, partnered with the realistic wording and creation of a whole new world.

This was my quiet, easy, late night read with a cup of tea. It has that sense of wonder and awe that I find with every Harry Potter book, but the illustrations add an extra sense of waboom. Incredibly disappointed that I had to finish this, and it didn’t continue on forever.

 <- The Prisoner of Azkaban ReviewA History of Magic Review ->
Image source: Amazon