Tag Archives: Urban Fantasy

A Restoration of Faith by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

A Restoration of FaithTitle: A Restoration of Faith
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #0.2
In: Side Jobs (Jim Butcher)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: The troll will let you cross the bridge if I’m not with you.

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Synopsis

Restoration of Faith. Restoration of Faith is a short story in The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. It is set before Storm Front. The story was originally published on Jim–Butcher.com, and later included in the book Side Jobs.

Thoughts

Butcher starts off this short story by pointing out that this was one of the first short stories he’d ever written, and as such, it wasn’t his best work. But here, I must disagree. Or at least, not quite agree. I loved this fantastic short story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the introduction to Harry Dresden’s apprenticeship days.

There are so many unwanted children in the world. And they’re not all homeless or from lower socio-economic homes. Some, like Faith are from families who are immensely well off. They’re just not quite wanted. Which brings up an interesting ethical question, what should be done for them? That is what Dresden is forced to face (alongside a bridge troll) in A Restoration of Faith. And honestly, it works perfectly.

The other thing that I love about A Restoration of Faith is it shows us Dresden’s first meeting with Murphy. It is a single, simple moment in time that has a great impact on their lives and I love how seamlessly it works into the rest of the series.

<- Side Jobs Review Welcome to the Jungle Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Infestation by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
To Hold the Bridge

Title: Infestation
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix) & By Blood We Live (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Does it look like we did?’ asked Susan with a shudder.

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Synopsis

Aliens and vampires are infesting the world, and there is only one man who can stop them. Yet, he has a dark past too.

Thoughts

Aliens and vampires – a combination that I never expected, thought of, or have experienced before. Yet, it is something that worked brilliantly in Infestation. Actually, I was really disappointed when this ended – I wanted to know more about the slightly weird, hippy-style main character. And I wanted to know how this epic war of aliens that left us with killing-machine vampires actually turned out. Did he win the war in the end? Did he bring back his creepy sounding captain?

Again and again I remember just why I love Garth Nix – not only does he know how to spin a great yarn. But he is also able to create a vivid world that teaches us lesson after lesson. In such a fantastically unforgettable way. In this case, the aliens left the bad things behind, and you should never try to play god.

<- Stop! ReviewThe Heart of the City Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Snakeskin by Rob Thurman

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Overview
Kicking It

Title: Snakeskin
Author: Rob Thurman
Series: Trickster #0.5
In: Kicking It (Faith Hunter & Kalayna Price)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Tricksters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Roc
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Billionaires are a special breed, and an old horny billionaire is going to want a young thing with tits done by Dr. Double D and the only lines on her skin the ones shown by her Brazilian wax.

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Synopsis

Trixa agrees to help a woman deal with her very rich husband. But, when she is double crossed, things take an interesting turn.

Thoughts

I love stories about Tricksters – they are completely amoral, always entertaining and beautifully symbolic of the balance between good and evil. Plus, where they travel, chaos follows. Which is always entertaining, and provides great conflict in and of itself. The introduction to Thurman’s Trickster series is no different.

Trixa is the very embodiment of chaos – she is neither good nor evil and, while straddling both realities, she is able to help keep the balance. The playful light and twisted humour within which she tells the story drew me in from the first point, and I was never quite sure what game she was playing. Until the very end that is. The tone of the piece perfectly reflects the chaotic and perverse way in which Trixa deals with the world and those around her.

<- More Rob ThurmanTrick of the Light ->

Image source: Penguin

The Arcane Art of Misdirection by Carrie Vaughn

Book Review, , ,

Overview

hex-appealTitle: The Arcane Art of Misdirection
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Norville #4.6
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Which opened into a hallway, just like the one she’d left.

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Synopsis

Welcome to the world of Kitty Norville. Where nothing is as it seems, including the world of casinos and gambling.

Thoughts

Casinos are a great location for mystery and subterfuge – they’re all about tricking the senses and convincing people to stay and act against their will. The idea of a sorcerer using this against the system to meet their own ends worked really beautifully, as did the description of such a location as a maze to trap people into spending their money. After all, they’re designed to contain everything and anything that we could want so that we don’t want to leave. Contrasting this view of those who want to win with a woman who works for the system and finds it rather tedious and boring was a great approach in this short story.

There are few people who are able to see through their preconceived conceptions to the inner truth, and it was enjoyable reading about somebody who is so inclined. Very few people would be able to see past this, and more difficult yet, accept this altered reality. There is a reason that everything is coloured by our preconceptions and this short story was a great way in which to question what happens when such preconceived ideas are altered. The conclusion of this story really highlights this complete change in Julie’s outlook on life and the potential new futures which she faces.

 <- Cherry Kisses Review Hex Appeal Review ->
Image source: Succubus

Snow Job by Carole Nelson Douglas

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Overview

hex-appealTitle: Snow Job
Author: Carole Nelson Douglas
Series: Delilah Street, Paranormal Investigator #5.1
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Lilith was amping up the vibration and sound system into heart-attack mode.

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Synopsis

I love this repetition of the tale of Adam, Eve and Lilith with a much more modern spin on it.

Thoughts

The use of the tale of Adam, Eve and Lilith was a unique way to approach of tale of paranormal fantasy. A lot of mythologies and beliefs seem to inform fantasy stories, but very few utilise the Christian faith and stories to do so. The use of Lilith, and even the name Delilah have its roots in Christianity and the use of the two sisters’ names in their characterisation was a great reminder of the importance in naming one’s characters.

The premises in this story were fantastic, and the paranormal reality in which Delilah negotiates her reality a brilliant multifaceted setting. However, having not read the rest of the series, it was a little difficult to really immerse myself in the story.

<- Holly’s Balm Review Outside the Box Review ->
Image source: Succubus

Bigfoot on Campus by Jim Butcher

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Overview

hex-appealTitle: Bigfoot on Campus
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #11.9, Bigfoot Trilogy #3
In: Hex Appeal (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: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: We walked in silence for several moments, until Connie finally said, “He’s not an angry person.

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Synopsis

Bigfoot on Campus is a short story in The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. It is set between Turn Coat and Changes. It was originally published in Hex Appeal, and later included in Working for Bigfoot.

Thoughts

I don’t know if it’s because I’m in University, or if there is something about the potential that it represents, but any story set here tends to grab my attention. This, combined with the young love between Connie and Irwin is such a nice reminder of the potential of these young years of discovery. This was also my first introduction into the Dresden Files and the writings of Jim Butcher, and a very welcome one at that.

The flicking between two time periods in a story can sometimes be a little clunky and hard to follow in short stories. However, Butcher did this brilliantly – the tone and positioning of Dresden was different enough that the transition was beautifully obvious. The cops’ blatant disbelief in all of the things that go bump in the night helped to further this contrast. The tale is told in a completely believable and relatable way, with a slightly dubious man querying everything that he was told.

The explanation of Bigfoot and the reasons why people never see such a creature that is strongly believed in today made this story seem all the more realistic. It’s always nice when the fantastical nature of mythologies can be married with our modern life to create an almost believable literary reality.

<- Retribution Clause Review Holly’s Balm Review ->
Image source: Succubus

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

The Quiet Knight by Garth Nix

Book Review, , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: The Quiet Knight
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, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘You will never even talk to them again, understand?’

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Synopsis

Sometimes when you try to play being a hero, you become one in real life.

Thoughts

Coming of age stories always have a great place in literature – after all, we all come of age. And even long after that threshold from childhood to adulthood has been crossed, there is still so much relevance in a story about finding who you are. The Quiet Knight is one such story.

The world of role play and the Quiet Knight’s secret desire to find his own self in the real world are a great vessel through which he is able to find who he is going to be. Role playing and imagination are great ways to find out what we want out of life, or even how we understand what is happening in our lives (believe me, I write for this exact purpose). Yet, it is the final decision to enact the heroism that the Quiet Knight encompasses that is truly the moment when he comes of age.

<- Old Friends Review You Won’t Feel a Thing Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Hogwarts: A Complete and Unreliable Guide by J.K. Rowling

Book Review, , ,

Overview

hogwarts-a-complete-and-unreliable-guide

Title: Hogwarts: A Complete and Unreliable Guide
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter Companion Book
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology, eBook
Publisher: Pottermore
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Their appearance can also turn flames blue.

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Synopsis

Hogwarts An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide takes you on a journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You’ll venture into the Hogwarts grounds, become better acquainted with its more permanent residents, learn more about lessons and discover secrets of the castle . . . all at the turn of a page.

Thoughts

It was really fun to travel through the halls of Hogwarts again. The breakdown of this story, leading you through the different aspects of the Hogwarts sorting, classes and grounds made me feel like I was opening the first page of The Philosopher’s Stone again (and closing the last of The Deathly Hallows). The rationale behind such things as the different lessons, the presence (and manifestations) of ghosts and the very way in which new students are sorted into each of the four houses provided by J.K. Rowling gave me a whole new insight into a world that will never be able to leave my head, but more importantly, my heart.

The logical way in which Hogwarts: A Complete and Unreliable Guide unfolds makes you feel like you are walking, step by step through your own sorting and, even class selections – a journey that was incredibly organic and enjoyable in its construction. It was interesting to see the ways in which each of the carefully constructed areas and objects within the Harry Potter series was created and just why.

<- Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies Review The Philosopher’s Stone Review ->
Image source: Harry Potter Wiki

Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies by J.K. Rowling

Book Review, , ,

Overview

short-stories-from-hogwarts-of-heroism-hardship-and-dangerous-hobbies

Title: Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter Companion Book
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology, eBook
Publisher: Pottermore
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘To Remus’s shock and displeasure, the seventeen-year-old Harry not only declined his offer but became angry and insulting.

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Synopsis

These stories of heroism, hardship and dangerous hobbies profile two of the Harry Potter stories’ most courageous and iconic characters: Minerva McGonagall and Remus Lupin. J.K. Rowling also gives us a peek behind the closed curtains of Sybill Trelawney’s life, and you’ll encounter the reckless, magical-beast-loving Silvanus Kettleburn along the way.

Thoughts

Admittedly, I have read most of these character biographies on the old Pottermore website. However, it was fun to read them again, and the flow with which they are put together was both interesting and organic. Again, the depth of J.K. Rowling’s back stories and the amount of thought which she has put into her characters was enviable and thrilling. The personal comments placed at the end of each tale and the reasoning behind names, diseases and hobbies gave me more and more insight into a world that I am already completely obsessed with.

McGonagall is by far my favourite of Harry’s teachers at Hogwarts, so discovering more of her somewhat tragic past was both saddening and enjoyable. Learning of her history helped to fill in a few gaps about her actions, and I loved that ultimately, she become the new headmistress of Hogwarts. Contrastingly, Lupin’s life ended in tragedy, and it was almost painful to reread about his and Tonks’ marriage in the light of their death.

This was such an easy to read, albeit somewhat tragic collection of tales from the amazing mind of J.K. Rowling and I can’t wait to finish the other Pottermore Presents tales.

<- Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists Review Hogwarts: A Complete and Unreliable Guide Review ->
Image source: Hypable